Neill Fronde

Neill Fronde

Neill is a journalist from the United States with 10+ years broadcasting experience and national news and magazine publications. He graduated with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of California and has been living in Thailand since 2014.
  • Central Thailand News

    Monk goes viral for auto rubbish-collecting cart to clean temple

    A monk came up with an ingenious idea borne out of necessity, giving birth to a functional, automatic rubbish collection cart. The monk, who lives in the Ayutthaya province, created a cart that can gather and collect discarded items and fallen leaves from a 14-acre temple area without the need for manual labour. Built from scraps collected around the temple…

  • Transport News

    Exat toll hike on key expressways pauses by Ministry of Transport

    The Progressive Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) to maintain the current toll charges for Chalong Rat and Bang Na expressways for another six months, running through February of next year. This development will stave off the proposal by Exat to implement a 10% increase in tolls on both routes. The toll…

  • Expats

    Chinese resurgence transforms Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district into new Chinatown

    Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district, home to a rising number of Chinese expatriates, is reinforcing its reputation as the city’s second Yaowarat or New Chinatown. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a temporary withdrawal of Chinese vendors from the district, but with the Chinese government deciding to lift border restrictions earlier this year, investors appear to be flocking back. The district’s pulse…

  • Environment News

    Nearly extinct Eastern Sarus Crane eggs discovered in rice field

    In a significant win for wildlife conservation, eggs of the Eastern Sarus Crane – also known as Thai Cranes – were found in a rice field adjacent to the Huai Talat Reservoir Non-Hunting Area in the Mueang district of Buriram, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The cranes were believed to be mostly extinct…

  • Tourism News

    Thailand aims to be top Muslim tourism destination within 5 years

    Thailand is projected to emerge as a principal destination for international Muslim tourists within the next half-decade. The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Rachada Dhnadirek, put forth this intent to lure more Muslim travellers, citing their rising numbers and increased spending capacity. She noted, during her Friday announcement, that Muslim tourists comprised a major segment of Thailand’s tourism industry. An impressive surge…

  • Crime News

    Songkhla mother alleges neighbour tricked son into drug use

    A mother in the province of Songkhla has filed a complaint with the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Women and Children, claiming that her 10 year old son has recently been showing signs of drug abuse. His erratic behaviour included destructiveness, verbal abuse towards family members, and attempting to harm a cat. The distressing behavioural shift came to a head when…

  • Technology News

    Online fraud declines as Thais embraces digital safety measures

    Chaiwuti Thanakamanusorn is confident that online crime measures are effective, as statistics of online scams show a decline. The public is also increasingly aware and cautious, preventing themselves from becoming victims of online fraud. Chaiwuti, the Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), is urging the public to adopt measures to protect themselves from becoming victims of organized cybercriminal…

  • Crime News

    Khai Huang international drug trafficking gang busted in Bangkok

    A sophisticated cross-border drug trafficking gang named Khai Huang led by four prominent figures was busted in a luxurious house in the heart of Bangkok. The gang had been smuggling crystal methamphetamine concealed within the axle rods of trucks for international shipment. The head operatives, 34 year old Chen Yu Ning and 26year old Li Ming Zhen, were arrested today at…

  • Technology News

    Easyrice transforms Thai rice industry with AI-powered inspection solutions

    Emerging from academic research projects, Easyrice Digital Technology Co Ltd has grown into a cutting-edge tech startup focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) within the agricultural sector, specifically tailored towards bettering the rice industry in Thailand. Easyrice provides AI-powered solutions designed to simplify and enhance the systems of rice quality inspections and data management, offering faster, more precise processes. As a…

  • Central Thailand News

    Prachinburi print shop overcharges customer, shocking Internet

    A disheartening incident unfolded when a woman was charged 500 baht for scanning four documents, at a print shop in the area of Ban Rabao Phai, Sri Maha Pho District, Prachinburi. The shop owner extended his apologies due to a lack of knowledge about appropriate pricing and offered a reimbursement, which the woman declined. Upon scanning the documents, the customer,…

  • Transport News

    Cockroach’s thrilling 2,000-km journey rivets Chinese plane passenger

    An exciting in-flight encounter with a stowaway cockroach caught the attention of social media after a female Chinese passenger on a flight from Shibaoshan to Ningbo noticed the critter. The insect’s surprising endurance while clinging onto the aeroplane window during a 2,000-kilometre journey at high altitudes added a thrill to the passenger’s air travel experience. The passenger, who opted for…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Pick-up truck wrecks government-owned rest spot in Nakhon Ratchasima

    A pick-up truck driver lost control of his vehicle, causing a multi-flip crash, which ultimately led to the destruction of a state pavilion in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Given the severity of the crash, an investigation was immediately launched to ascertain the circumstances around the incident, which occurred earlier today. Responding to the incident were officers from the Phimai police station,…

  • Politics News

    Thai MP has beef with beef restaurant that calls him scum

    In an unusual incident, a Member of Parliament found himself on the receiving end of a vulgar slur. The slur was scribed on a delivery package from a renowned beef restaurant, which was ordered by the MP himself, creating a whirlwind of controversy. Piyarat Chongthep, the offended MP in question, represents the Phra Khanong Bangna area of Bangkok. He is…

  • Northern Thailand News

    InterContinental attends funeral for hotel employee’s mum after denying leave request

    The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district expressed its condolences and empathy towards a former staff member whose mother died. But after they denied her leave – a move that went viral – the hotel management attended the funeral of the employee’s mother. Is it a change of heart, or a desperate bid to look caring…

  • Bangkok News

    Bangkok hotel’s eerie statue to stay despite public outcry, officials seek shield solution

    A controversial statue displayed at Bangkok’s Bazaar Hotel on Ratchadaphisek Road stirred a debate within the community, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to weigh in on the matter. Despite public criticism, the unique sculpture has been permitted to remain at the hotel premises by the BMA. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, responded to inquiries about any potential legal…

  • Thailand News

    Luxury car owner threatens debt collectors with pistol before fleeing

    A video went viral yesterday showing a posh sedan owner brandishing a pistol to threaten repossession officials, before speeding off. The video was posted to Twitter by user Red Skull. In it, viewers could see a debt collection agency attempting to seize a luxurious car due after consecutive defaults on instalment payments. The attempt was thwarted when the in-debt owner…

  • Crime News

    Neighbour murdered in Phetchaburi over claims of infidelity

    A small, peaceful community was shocked when a man brutally murdered his neighbour. The attack took place in the victim’s bed, where he was bludgeoned to death with an iron hoe. The crime of passion appears to be the culmination of accusations of infidelity with the murderer, 35 year old Anon, accusing his 33 year old neighbour Thirapol of sleeping…

  • Road deaths

    Wrong-way motorbike accident in Phuket claims renowned artist’s life

    A 44 year old man lost his life last night after his motorbike, which he was riding in the wrong direction, collided with a tourist bus. The tragic accident took place on Srisoonthorn Road, Phuket. The bus was transporting people back to their hotels from their expedition to Phuket FantaSea. News of the crash reached the Thalang Police around 11.40pm yesterday. Lieutenant…

  • Road deaths

    Fatal drunk driving accident on Chalong Rat highway: Tyre burst blamed

    A tragic accident on Bangkok’s Chalong Rat elevated highway saw a Nissan pick-up truck crashing into a Toyota Fortuner before slamming into a concrete divider. The grizzly turn of events led to the death of a 38 year old passenger. The pickup driver, an air conditioning technician around 50 to 55 years old, claimed a tyre burst caused the accident…

  • Eastern Thailand News

    Student barred from classes over political disagreements with school teacher

    A Chon Buri school student has reportedly been banned from attending history classes, due to political views that conflict with those of the teacher. The matter was brought to the office of the district’s primary education area by Yodchai Pungporn, a distant MP along with the child’s mother, who expressed concern over the impact this might have on the child’s…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket airport’s fire drills set to ensure elevated safety standards

    Phuket International Airport, operated by the local branch of Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), is set to initiate a series of extensive fire drills commencing next week. AoT Phuket revealed that these fire drills will take place in areas easily visible to the public eye. It has called upon the public to stay calm if they happen to witness emergency services…

  • World News

    Hong Kong policewoman gains Internet fame for beauty and duty

    Social media users around the globe are swooning over the beauty of a Hong Kong policewoman, who has quickly become an Internet sensation due to her striking good looks and dutiful on-the-job demeanour. While it’s common to see police officers performing their duties on the streets, one policewoman, in particular, has seriously caught the eye of the online world. The officer’s beauty…

  • Việt Nam

    Seven-year love, an extravagant Vietnamese wedding, and 294,000 baht gowns

    Many people dream of an extravagant and gorgeous fairytale wedding, whether it’s within their financial or romantic means or not. So social media users have latched onto the storybook romance of a picture-perfect Vietnamese couple and their over-the-top opulent wedding extravaganza. The lavish wedding of a Vietnamese couple has been making headlines as the culmination of their seven-year love story…

  • Business News

    PTTEP issues alert over potential Thai gas production and supply disruption

    PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) voiced its concern to the energy authorities regarding potential barriers that may impede the continued production of gas in the Gulf of Thailand. The current license to operate in the Pailin gas block is set to end in 2028. The reoccurrence of a disruptive incident similar to the one at the Erawan gas block…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Mysterious giant footprint stirs curiosity at ancient Thai house

    In an incident causing quite a stir among locals, an unusual, large footprint, significantly bigger than a dog’s, inexplicably appears at an ancient house. The intrigued homeowner reveals the footprint to be the latest mystery at the widely known archaeological site where ancient human bones were previously discovered. A social media post from a local recently shared a video showcasing…

  • Politics News

    Ethics probe: Thai Deputy House Speaker under fire for beer post

    “With which candidate would you rather have a beer?” That question has become a standard litmus test for likeability and authenticity in American politics. But in Thai politics, having a beer can land you in a massive political scandal. Padipat Suntiphada, the Deputy House speaker, was recently shown on video on social media indulging in a craft beer, stirring a…

  • Thailand News

    Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns

    Further restrictions against alcohol advertising are being urged by the Alcohol Watch Network. Concerns centre around young people and new drinkers who are at risk due to various impacts on health, economy and society. Teera Watcharapranee, director of the office of the Alcohol Watch Network, stated yesterday, that despite the responsibility of enforcing the law falling on the Ministry of…

  • Krabi News

    Mysterious hospital bed movement sparks confusion: ghost or glitch?

    A hospital bed used for transferring patients is raising eyebrows after it was witnessed moving and spontaneously adjusting itself. On Sunday, August 13, a video on Facebook, posted by a user named Mot Kpt, abruptly went viral showcasing this uncanny phenomenon. The footage depicts an unattended hospital bed, elevating on its own. The bed is a manual unit, not an…

  • World News

    Scorpion sting kills Brazilian girl, hospital lacked antivenom

    A five year old Brazilian girl lost her life after being stung by a yellow scorpion, one of the most venomous insects in South America. Despite her family’s efforts to get the child immediate medical attention, they faced an hour-long delay when the first hospital they visited lacked the proper serum to treat the child. The ordeal of the child,…

  • World News

    Otter attack: Montana woman savaged, raises 270,000 baht for medical costs

    In otter news… Although regarded as adorable and gentle creatures, the story of an American woman attacked by an otter has gained international attention. Bozeman, Montana resident 37 year old Jen Royce was unexpectedly mauled by the cute vicious creature during a visit to the Jefferson River to celebrate her birthday in early August. Royce and her two friends were…