- Chiang Mai News
Thaksin begs Chiang Mai to deliver a landslide victory
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a passionate last-minute appeal to his supporters, urging them to turn their loyalty into votes as Chiang Mai gears up for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections tomorrow, February 1. Returning to his home province on Thursday, the 75 year old political titan took the stage in a high-energy rally to back Pichai Lertpongadisorn,…
- Pattaya News
Hot sting: Thai child scalded by soup at Chon Buri restaurant
A restaurant owner pledged to take responsibility and provide compensation after a five year old girl was scalded by hot soup at a popular eatery in Chon Buri. The incident took place yesterday, January 30 at the Khrua Pla Too Thit Auan restaurant, located on Hat Wonnapha Beach, Mueang district, Chon Buri. The child’s mother posted about the incident online,…
- Thailand News
Sacred tattoo event in Nakhon Pathom draws blessings
A sacred tattooing event at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom’s Khun Kaeo subdistrict featured a woman receiving a talisman on her hand from Luang Phor Pae. The event, part of the 9 Temples, 99 Luknimit ceremony, runs from January 25 to February 23. The ceremony’s highlight is the world’s largest Luknimit, available for public gilding. Taking place during the…
- World News
Disaster in DC: Black boxes recovered after mid-air collision (video)
Investigators have recovered the black boxes from a catastrophic mid-air collision between a commercial airliner and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DC, raising urgent questions about staffing shortages and air traffic control failures. The deadly crash occurred at 9pm on Wednesday, January 29 (2am GMT Thursday) near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killing all 67 people on…
- Phuket News
Thai airline flight makes emergency landing in Phuket
Passengers on a Thai airline flight endured terrifying, life-threatening moments yesterday when their aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport due to engine failure. The flight, carrying 150 passengers and crew, was approaching Phuket yesterday, January 30, when one of its engines malfunctioned, prompting immediate action from the flight crew. Despite the alarming situation, all onboard…
- Bangkok News
Gem of a deal: Bangkok fair set to sparkle with 3.5 billion baht in trade
Organisers of the 71st Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair expect the event to generate over 3.5 billion baht in trade. Scheduled for February 22 to 26 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), the fair is hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, with support from various public and…
- Pattaya News
Drunken tourists attack Bolt driver in Pattaya over ‘silent treatment’
A ride-hailing driver in Pattaya was left bruised and battered after a group of drunken tourists attacked him for refusing to engage in conversation. The shocking incident took place around 3am on Wednesday, January 29 in Soi Buakhao, South Pattaya, when 29 year old Suradet Khawlamai picked up five passengers from the Marina Pattaya South area. The group included two…
- Phuket News
Phuket booze ban begins as election showdown heats up
Thailand’s nationwide alcohol ban kicks in at 6pm today, leaving Phuket tourists dry for 24 hours as the country gears up for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections tomorrow, February 1. Under Thai election law, the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited during voting periods. Those caught flouting the rule face harsh penalties, including fines of up to 10,000 baht,…
- Thailand News
Thailand gears up for Chinese tourist surge amid charter flight push
Thailand is ramping up efforts to boost Chinese tourist arrivals by increasing charter flights from secondary cities in China while launching a major domestic travel subsidy in June. Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional marketing director for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that Thailand welcomed an average of 22,000 to 24,000 Chinese tourists daily in January. The numbers peaked…
- Thailand News
Thai seafood exports to US unaffected by fishing gear concerns
The Department of Fisheries aims to reassure the public that recent changes to Section 66 of a Fisheries Executive Decree will not impact seafood exports to the United States. There are concerns that the US might ban Thai seafood caught using fishing gear harmful to certain marine mammals. Bancha Sookkaew, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, responded to a…
- Pattaya News
Investors to pump 40 billion baht into Pattaya’s tourism sector
Investors are set to inject 40 billion baht into Pattaya, focusing on new hotels and attractions to enhance tourism. On Wednesday, January 29, Wallaya Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation (AWC) announced the opening of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, a 234-room property with an investment exceeding 2 billion baht. This hotel targets workcation travellers, digital nomads, meetings, incentives, conferences…
- Thailand News
Thai lawyer Sittra charged in 111m baht fraud case
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has charged prominent lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, known as Lawyer Tam, and six others in a fraud case involving Jatuporn Ubonlert, also known as Madame Oy. The court ordered them to repay 111 million baht. This sum includes 72 million baht from a fraudulent online lottery investment scheme and 39 million baht from scams related…
- Bangkok News
Businessman assaults delivery rider at gunpoint in Bangkok
A prominent property businessman has been arrested and charged after allegedly forcing a delivery rider into his home at gunpoint and assaulting him. The rider was subsequently rescued. The suspect, 46 year old Sirianont Srikureja, president and CEO of a real estate firm, is being held at Hua Mak Police Station following his arrest on Wednesday for assaulting 46 year…
- Thailand News
Elite vs DTV: Is Thailand’s ‘privilege’ visa losing its edge?
Thailand’s Elite visa programme is facing growing competition from cheaper long-term visa alternatives, with the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) emerging as a serious contender. Manatase Annawat, President of Thai Privilege Card (TPC), admitted that rival visa schemes are cutting into their market, particularly DTV, which costs a fraction of the Elite price but lacks its luxury perks. Manatase recently suggested…
- Thailand News
Rare tiger family caught on camera in Kaeng Krachan park (video)
For the first time, a tigress and her three cubs have been recorded roaming Kaeng Krachan National Park, confirming that Thailand’s largest wild cats are successfully breeding in the protected forest. The footage, captured by camera traps deep in the jungle, shows the tigress, identified as KKT-003F, leading her three cubs through the wilderness. Officials estimate the cubs are now…
- Thailand News
Rabies panic: Khon Kaen officials say cooked beef is safe
Health officials in Sam Sung district, Khon Kaen moved to calm public fears after reports of rabies-infected beef sparked concerns about food safety. While a cow infected with rabies was slaughtered and consumed earlier this month, officials have clarified that properly cooked beef remains safe to eat. The outbreak began on January 23, when a dog infected with rabies entered…
- Pattaya News
Thai suspects surrender on brutal attack on Chinese businessman
Following Chon Buri police’s crackdown yesterday, five Thai men linked to a notorious Chinese gang have surrendered to police after allegedly brutally assaulting a Chinese businessman in Pattaya last year in a violent bid to take over his pub. The attack took place on September 14, when Chen Jing, a Chinese businessman and part-owner of a popular Pattaya pub, was…
- Pattaya News
Motorbikes flout Pattaya’s one-way rule, locals demand action
Traffic in Pattaya’s bustling Buakhao area is turning into a dangerous free-for-all, as motorbikes continue to ignore one-way restrictions on Soi Honey and Soi Diana, raising serious safety concerns among residents and business owners. Despite clear one-way street designations, riders are brazenly driving against the flow of traffic, creating chaos and near-miss collisions in the heart of Pattaya’s nightlife district.…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tragedy: Tourist killed, wife critical after speeding bike crash
A romantic evening turned into a nightmare for a Russian couple in Pattaya when a speeding motorcycle ploughed into them as they crossed the street hand in hand. The foreign rider struck them at high speed, killing the husband instantly and leaving his wife in critical condition. The accident happened just before midnight yesterday, January 29 on Jomtien Second Road,…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s booming job market: Officials report 99% employment rate
Phuket’s job market is thriving, with 99.15% of registered residents employed, according to the latest report from the Phuket Subcommittee on Labour Development and Provincial Vocational Training Coordination (SVTC). The figures were unveiled during a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri at the Phuket Skill Development Institute 21 yesterday, January 29, where officials reviewed the province’s labour situation and…
- Thailand News
Publicity stunt: PM Paetongtarn launches monthly TV show
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to make her TV debut this Sunday, February 2, in the first episode of her brand-new talk show, Empowering Thais. The programme aims to promote her government’s achievements and future vision, giving the public a direct insight into national policies. Airing on Channel 11 of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), the half-hour…
- Phuket News
Body of Thai crewman found floating near Phuket
Police yesterday launched an investigation after the body of a 31 year old Thai crewman was discovered floating near Ao Por, Pa Khlok. The man, identified as Thanyawit Thahanthai, was last seen the night before, staying overnight on the tour boat where he worked—but by morning, he had vanished. Locals spotted the body offshore around midday, yesterday, January 29, and quickly…
- Bangkok News
Thailand’s ‘one ticket’ travel plan moves forward
Thailand is one step closer to a game-changing transport upgrade, with the House of Representatives approving the Pheu Thai Party’s draft bill for an integrated ticketing system. The move, passed with 226 votes in favour and 142 against, promises a seamless travel experience for commuters across urban trains and buses. But not everyone is on board. The House ditched a competing proposal from the People’s Party, opting instead…
- Phuket News
Phuket schoolgirls honoured for heroic life-saving rescue
Two high school students from Cherng Talay Wittayakhom School have been hailed local heroines after their quick-thinking actions saved a man’s life earlier this month. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat personally recognised Benchawan Kanphai aka Rinda and Siriporn Ditsawan, both Grade 12 students, in a special ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, January 29, awarding them certificates of appreciation for their courage…
- Thailand News
New debt relief scheme aids nearly 500,000 Thai debtors
Deputy Finance Minister Phaophum Rojanasakul announced that as of January 28, the You Fight, We Help initiative has received interest from 497,552 debtors, covering 576,496 accounts. The scheme aims to assist individual debtors and includes two measures, excluding direct registration with financial institutions. The first measure, Direct Payment, Asset Retention, targets home, car, and small SME loans with modest limits,…
- Thailand News
Lottery luck: Number 703 sparks lottery frenzy in Phayao
Residents of Ban San Pa Nat in Dok Kham Tai district, Phayao province participated in the annual ritual to honour the spirit of Chao Pho Ong Dam today. They gathered to perform traditional rites and offered various items including flowers, incense, and food. This cultural event, held on the 13th day of the waning moon in the fourth month, is…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s parking crackdown: Park illegally and pay the price
Pattaya drivers, take note! Starting Monday, February 3, the city is rolling out tough new parking rules to tackle traffic chaos and keep the roads safer. If you’re used to leaving your car wherever you fancy, think again—because parking fines and towing fees are about to hit hard. The crackdown applies to South Pattaya Road, where vehicles will be banned from parking on…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police book illegal Russian guide – but not for a tour
Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested a Russian woman at Khao Chi Chan for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide. The arrest took place on Tuesday, January 28, at the parking area of the Khao Chi Chan Buddha engraving site. Police had observed the woman leading a group of foreign tourists, speaking in a foreign language, without the presence of…
- Bangkok News
Civil group pushes for casino referendum with 50,000 signatures
A civil network has initiated a campaign to collect signatures for a referendum on the potential legalisation of casinos in the country. Thanakorn Komkris, Secretary General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, stated that the network aims to collect a minimum of 50,000 signatures to prompt a referendum for public input on the matter. Previously, the foundation launched an online petition…
- Bangkok News
Thai cops shut down illegal steroid lab in Bangkok
Thai police have smashed a massive underground steroid operation, seizing 1.9 million unregistered Dexamethasone tablets in a dramatic raid in Bangkok on January 24. The joint crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)exposed a dangerous black market scheme, where the powerful steroid was being illegally produced and mixed into health products, from herbal remedies and drinks to cosmetics. Dexamethasone, a controlled substance…
