Nattapong Westwood
- Thailand News
Phuket Tourist Police arrest illegal foreign tour guides
A crackdown on illegal tour guides in Phuket led to the arrest of two foreign nationals. Police charged a 35 year old Ukrainian and a 31 year old stateless individual of highland origin, both accused of operating without proper permits. Phuket Tourist Police, under directives from the National Police Office, has intensified efforts to purge the province of unauthorised tour…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai songthaew goes cool with air-con and PM2.5 filters
In a novel move to revolutionise local transport, a Chiang Mai songthaew driver has transformed the iconic red car into an air-conditioned oasis complete with a PM2.5 filter system. This innovative service has become a hit among both Thai and international tourists, leading to a significant booking queue. The traditional songthaew, a ubiquitous sight in Chiang Mai, has long been…
- Thailand News
Northern Thailand battles severe air pollution as Bangkok breathes clear
Seventeen provinces in Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions are grappling with hazardous levels of air pollution, as reported by the country’s Air Pollution Crisis Management Centre (ACMC). In stark contrast, Bangkok enjoys clear skies, free from the dangerous PM2.5 particles, offering residents the chance to breathe easily. Over the next seven days, from February 23 to February 29, the situation…
- Thailand News
Fatal argument at Nakhon Ratchasima shop ends with gunshot
A 23 year old man’s visit to a motorcycle repair shop in Nakhon Ratchasima turned deadly when an argument over motorcycle noise escalated into a fatal shooting. The confrontation began with a slap and ended with the young man returning with three friends and firearms, resulting in the death of a 27 years old man at the scene. At the…
- Thailand News
Chon Buri couple offers 100,000 baht for their missing cat
An elderly couple from Chon Buri province is offering a substantial reward of 100,000 baht (US$2,787) for the return of their beloved missing cat, Miaow Miaow. The feline, a unique 12 year old neutered male weighing approximately 5 kilogrammes, has been part of their family since 2011 when he wandered into their home and became a cherished pet. The owners,…
- Road deaths
High-speed car chase in Ayutthaya ends with crash and drug arrest
A high-speed car chase on Asia Road in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province ended in a dramatic crash and arrest yesterday at 6.30pm. Police apprehended a 34 year old factory worker after his blue Mitsubishi Mirage, with the license plate กน 5928, flipped several times and came to a wrecked halt at kilometre 10 in Bang Pa-in district. The incident…
- Road deaths
Roadside tragedy in Songkhla: Pickup truck kills two students
A tragic road accident occurred today at a scout activity in the district of Sadao, Songkhla province, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring 15 others. A pickup truck, driven at high speed, veered off course and crashed into a group of primary school students and their teacher, who were assembled at a roadside pavilion. The driver fled the…
- Crime News
Khon Kaen police intensify hunt for murder suspect
Police are accelerating their search for a suspect vehicle in connection with the brutal murder of a woman, whose charred remains were discovered in a tyre at a dumpsite in Khon Kaen’s Waeng Noi district. The forensic examination confirmed the victim was a 35 year old woman, approximately 160 centimetres tall. The case has spanned three provinces, and investigators are…
- Thailand News
Thai student arrested for online gun trade, police seize firearms
In a significant crackdown on the illegal arms trade, Thai police arrested a 28 year old law student for selling firearms online. The operation led to the seizure of several homemade shotguns and pistols, ready to be dispatched to customers. Today, February 21, under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Chief of the National Police, a coordinated effort…
- Thailand News
Bangkok police block Thaksin’s house amid tension with activist’s sister
Bangkok witnessed a tense standoff yesterday as police cordoned off the area around the residence of Thaksin Shinawatra, preventing Sitanan Satsaksit from approaching the house. Sitanan, the sister of missing democracy activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit, sought to question Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen over her brother’s alleged abduction in Cambodia in 2020. Sitanan was barred from reaching Soi Charan Sanitwong 69,…
- Thailand News
Thai widow swindled in romance scam by fake college director
A 52 year old woman from Udon Thani has been swindled out of nearly 50,000 baht (US$1,386) in a romance scam by a man who claimed to be the director of a well-known vocational college. The man, who made first contact over Facebook, charmed and deceived her into a romantic entanglement before borrowing money and vanishing without a trace. The…
- Thailand News
Thai man murders wife, hides her body in rubber plantation
A Thai man in Chachoengsao admitted to the brutal murder of his wife after her remains were found in a rubber plantation. Initially reporting her missing, the 33 year old man named Sirichai later disclosed the violent altercation that led to him taking 27 year old Chollada’s life yesterday, February 20, and attempting to conceal the crime by burning her…
- Thailand News
Transwoman injures two women in Pattaya Beach attack
A transwoman reportedly attacked two women on Pattaya Beach at 4.36am on Saturday, February 17. The Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan Rescue Foundation Radio Centre in Pattaya received distress calls on February 17, alerting authorities to a harrowing physical assault. Rushing to Soi 13, Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamuand ng, Chon Buri, rescue teams and local police uncovered a scene of horror. Two…
- Thailand News
Hua Hin: Elephant found dead in stream, intense conflict suspected
The lifeless body of an elephant was discovered in the waters in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin. The dead elephant is believed to have succumbed to brutal injuries inflicted during a fierce clash. Deputy Inspector Police Lieutenant Colonel Somphot Prayangam, stationed at Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, received a distress call from 51 year old…
- Thailand News
Minister orders CAAT to cut Bangkok-Phuket flight prices for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to negotiate with airlines to explore ways to lower airfares following complaints from passengers about the high cost of flights from Bangkok to Phuket. He expressed confidence that reduced prices could be in effect in time for the Songkran travel period. Today, at 9.30am, Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s thriving Muslim tourism boom with mosque tour
In a bid to elevate Thailand to the zenith of the Global Muslim Tourism Index (GMTI), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with key figures like Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut from the Haroon Mosque and the Islamic Committee of Bangkok to revolutionise cultural tourism for Muslim travellers. Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut recently joined forces with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, in…
- Thailand News
RTN officer critically injured in Chon Buri road accident
A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officer was severely injured after his pickup truck crashed into a utility pole and flipped onto its roof on a road in Chon Buri province, trapping him inside the vehicle. The incident occurred at around 9.20pm yesterday on Highway 3126 in the Sattahip district, near the RTN’s fuel depot. Emergency services had to use hydraulic…
- Thailand News
Sudden Udon Thani storm wreaks havoc, children injured
A sudden storm ravaged the Udon Thani region, inflicting damage on nearly 20 homes within less than 15 minutes. The calamity left two children injured after tiles from a collapsing roof struck them as they played inside a house. Village leaders are scrambling to assess the damage and facilitate aid. Yesterday, February 18, as evening approached, a fierce storm swept…
- Thailand News
Customer pressured into 5-star review to unlock warranty
A recent outcry has emerged on social media after a customer was pressured to leave a five-star review for a product to receive a warranty, sparking a heated debate about consumer rights and business ethics. The incident was brought to light when a customer shared their frustration in a Facebook group dedicated to consumer affairs, provoking a flood of responses…
- Thailand News
Miss Universe president denies fraud, vows legal action in Thailand
Shockwaves reverberated through the beauty pageant world as Paula Shugart, the long-standing President of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), announced her departure from the role she held for over 23 years. This surprising turn of events unfolded during the Miss Universe 2023 pageant held in El Salvador. Following her resignation, Shugart took to her personal Instagram account to state Thai,…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims for top ASEAN agricultural exporter with new FTAs
A Government of Thailand spokesperson revealed plans to enhance economic cooperation and attract foreign trade and investment, which could propel the Thai nation to the top of the agricultural export rankings in ASEAN through the implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTA). The spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, Chai Watcharong, disclosed Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin’s determination…
- Northern Thailand News
Thailand’s fiery plight: 400+ hotspots spark concern
Thailand is currently grappling with more than 400 hotspots, with the highest concentration in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, each reporting over 40 incidents. In comparison, neighbouring countries are also facing significant challenges, with Myanmar recording 3,065 hotspots, Cambodia 1,341, Laos 704, and Vietnam 414 as of February 18. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development…
- Thailand News
Community mourns as drunk driver kills two 12 year olds in Thailand
A recent tragedy gripped the local community of Satuek following a fatal traffic incident involving two 12 year old students, needlessly killed by a drunk driver. The accident occurred at 3pm yesterday, when a 67 year old man, identified only by his first name, Banchong, struck the children with his black Mitsubishi pickup truck, leading to their immediate death at…
- Thailand News
Thailand battles rising PM2.5 levels, Bangkok breathes easier
Northeastern Thailand is currently grappling with hazardous levels of PM2.5, surpassing the standard values and affecting public health, while Bangkok enjoys relatively clear skies. Northeastern Thailand is currently enveloped in a haze of fine particulate matter, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the safety standards in 40 provinces. This has placed the health of millions at risk, particularly affecting the respiratory system.…
- Thailand News
Wave announces engagement to P’Lek on social media
Wave, a well-known figure in a high-profile age-gap relationship on social media, has called it quits with his former partner, P’Porn, and has now revealed a lightning-fast engagement with P’Lek. In the face of various dramas that have unfolded, Wave’s fanbase continues to support the couple’s relationship. Amid a flurry of social media activity and drama, Wave has moved on…
- Thailand News
Chinese woman escapes deadly fire trap after Pattaya assault
A Chinese woman, allegedly lured and assaulted in a remote area near Pattaya, survived an attempt on her life after the assailant reportedly set the surrounding grassland on fire. The incident took place yesterday, February 18, and police are now investigating the mystery, examining all available evidence, including CCTV footage from the day of the crime. The harrowing ordeal began…
- Thailand News
Cat in coma after receiving dog flea treatment
A veterinarian using the TikTok handle @tobtabvet raised a serious alarm about the dangers of administering flea and tick medication intended for dogs to cats. A recent case involving a cat that fell into a coma after being given dog-specific flea treatment by its owner sparked a warning about the risks of blindness and even death from such actions. The…
- Thailand News
Pharmacist dies after falling from MRT Tha Phra station
A pharmacist tragically lost his life after falling from the third floor of the Tha Phra MRT station today at approximately 10.57am. The incident, which left witnesses in extreme shock, unfolded when a 62 year old pharmacist and manager of a medical supply company, was seen plummeting to his death right before their eyes. At the scene under the MRT…
- Thailand News
Content creator clash with gang leader goes viral in Bangkok
A heated altercation escalated to a bout of fisticuffs between content creator Jack Papho and Melai Ratchada, leader of the notorious Unbathed Gang, following a dispute over damaged property. Jack, known for his humorous and sometimes controversial content, found himself at odds with the famed gang leader, leading to an incident that ended at the police station. The drama unfolded…
- Thailand News
Woman hijacks rescue truck in Bangkok, sparks police chase
In a bizarre incident this morning, a Japanese woman seized a rescue pickup truck in front of the Lumpini Police Station while the vehicle was assisting an injured foreign man. The woman, whose identity is yet to be determined, drove off with the vehicle at approximately 8.10am, leading authorities on a chase that concluded near the large roundabout in the…
