- Phuket News
Filipina killed in horror Patong crash as SUV ploughs into bikes
A Phuket holiday turned into a nightmare after a Filipina woman was killed and several others injured when an SUV smashed into motorbikes in a horrific evening pile-up. A serious multi-vehicle collision claimed the life of a Filipina woman and left several people injured on the main road through Kalim, just north of Patong, last night. The crash occurred at…
- Thailand News
‘Half-Half’ travel scheme crashes, leaving thousands in limbo
The launch of the government’s eagerly awaited Half-Half Thai Travel programme descended into chaos this morning after both key registration platforms suffered catastrophic failures within minutes of going live. At 8am today, July 1, hopeful holidaymakers logged on to the Amazing Thailand app to secure discounted accommodation entitlements, but were instantly met with error messages reading, “An error occurred. Something…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya ready for tourist boom as ‘Half-Half’ travel freebies launch
Pattaya’s tourism industry is bracing for a vibrant mid-year comeback, thanks to the government’s latest initiative designed to boost domestic travel and spending. The Thai Half-Half Travel programme officially opens for bookings today, July 1, with travel taking off on July 4. Under the scheme, holidaymakers can bag up to 3,000 baht per night in government subsidies to make stays…
- Phuket News
Phuket bomb scare sparks mosque security clampdown
A disturbing wave of bomb scares has rattled Phuket, triggering a security crackdown at mosques as leaders vow to defend the island’s reputation as a top travel destination. Komol Damluk, President of the Phuket Islamic Council, called for unwavering vigilance and full cooperation with police after a string of coordinated bomb threats shook the province last week. Speaking to The Phuket…
- Business News
China’s durian craze drives Thailand’s tech farming boom
Most people either adore it or gag at the smell, but durian — the spiky “king of fruits” that “tastes like heaven and smells like hell” — is winning over Chinese consumers in record numbers. Thailand, the world’s top durian exporter, is racing to modernise production as demand from China soars. Chinese agricultural experts are now working alongside Thai farmers…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn takes culture role as Cabinet reshuffle stirs intrigue
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially welcomed her expanded role as Minister of Culture following a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle confirmed in the Royal Gazette today. Speaking after the Royal Command announcing her new Cabinet appointments, PM Paetongtarn described the moment as a profound honour. “It is a great royal benevolence to have received the royal command for the new Cabinet…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok Mini Cooper driver flees motorcycle hit-and-run, 1 dead (video)
A shocking hit-and-run in Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district has left one person dead and another critically injured after a red Mini Cooper ploughed into a motorcycle and sped away. The incident occurred around 6am on Sunday, June 29, near the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 19. The Mini Cooper was reportedly descending a bridge when it struck the motorcycle carrying 27…
- Thailand News
Thai tax scam gang busted for billion-baht VAT fraud racket
The Revenue Department and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have dismantled a sprawling value-added tax (VAT) fraud network, allegedly responsible for over 1 billion baht in state losses. On June 26, coordinated raids were carried out across 14 locations in Tak, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The operation led to the arrest of 63 year old Samran Naowarat and nine associates…
- Cannabis News
Thailand rolls out cannabis prescription form for 15 conditions
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) issued an official prescription form for medical cannabis. The move yesterday, June 30, follows the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement on controlled herbs, which sets out strict regulations for cannabis use. The form, known as P.T.33, allows authorised practitioners across seven professions — including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and traditional healers —…