- Thailand News
Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy
A Pattaya City Council member issued a warning about the urgent need for tourist number controls and construction regulations on Koh Larn, an island now teetering on the brink due to its popularity. Phasakorn Yusoomboon, representing Pattaya District 1, voiced his concerns at the council meeting yesterday. He highlighted the island’s daily influx of over 10,000 tourists, with numbers soaring…
- Thailand News
Srettha unveils plans for Thailand’s economy at UBS conference
At the UBS Asian Investment Conference 2024 in Hong Kong, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showcased a visionary blueprint for Thailand’s economic revolution. Addressing over 2,000 participants and 300 companies from the Asia-Pacific region, he laid out a series of strategic initiatives designed to attract global investment and drive innovation and sustainability. The 62 year old PM emphasised the nation’s readiness…
- Thailand News
Worm found in chicken sausage roll sparks online outrage (video)
A TikTok user experienced a shocking discovery when she found a worm crawling out of her chicken sausage roll, leading to widespread disgust online. The incident occurred yesterday when TikTok user @ttx_yk posted a video showing the unsettling moment. In the video, she explained that she had just bought the chicken sausage roll and had already eaten one piece before noticing…
- Thailand News
Ex-con Brit arrested for fatal punch to Russian in Thailand
The British man who punched a Russian businessman, resulting in his death, over sexual advances on his teenage daughter had been previously imprisoned for drug offences. He has recently been arrested for the fatal assault. The businessman allegedly propositioned the Welshman’s 15 year old daughter during a pool party in Pattaya. The 34 year old Welshman, known locally as Flash…
- Thailand News
Spooky spectacle: Haunted house in Surin sparks lottery frenzy
A deserted house in Surin Province, northeastern Thailand, has become the centre of local attention after reports of ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences. Relatives and villagers have been flocking to the house to seek lucky lottery numbers ahead of the upcoming draw. The house, located at 27, Moo 6, Ban Bueng, Ban Rae Subdistrict, Khwao Sinarin District, has been abandoned…
- Thailand News
Manhunt for fugitive Brit suspected to have fled to Thailand
British Police have launched an international manhunt for a fugitive Brit from Warrington, UK, believed to be hiding out in Thailand. The Brit, 36 year old Luke Atkin from Lower Walton, is on the run after failing to appear in court on serious drug charges. Atkin, previously of York, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine but failed to attend…
- Thailand News
Fugitive passport kingpin captured in Bangkok hideout
A fugitive passport forgery mastermind who had been on the run from Chinese authorities has been apprehended in Bangkok’s upscale Sathorn district. Police revealed the arrest of the suspect, known only as Chun, in a late-night raid at a condominium on Suan Phlu Road. Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, disclosed the details yesterday, confirming…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha to announce huge tech investment at AWS Summit
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will grace the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in Bangkok tomorrow. The highly anticipated event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will see AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing powerhouse, unveil its grand vision for Thailand. “Thailand is poised for a digital transformation.” Prime Minister Srettha will co-chair the summit’s opening ceremony, according to government spokesman…
- Thailand News
Ring rage: Brawl erupts at Phuket boxing stadium
A viral video capturing foreign boxers and their cornermen brawling in the ring sparked widespread criticism online. The explosive incident occurred at the Bangla Boxing Stadium in Patong, Phuket, during the main event on May 26. The showdown featured an Irish boxer in the red corner and a Russian boxer in the blue corner. As the ring announcer prepared to…
- Thailand News
Thai halal boom targets 84 trillion baht market
In a move to capture a share of the burgeoning US$2.3 trillion (approximately 84 trillion baht) global halal market, the Ministry of Industry has launched the Thai Halal Industry Centre. This strategic initiative aims to position Thailand as the regional hub for halal products and services, with the market value expected to soar to US$2.8 trillion by 2025, driven by…
- Thailand News
Thaksin’s shadow over Pheu Thai and election scandal rejected
The Constitutional Court unanimously rejected a high-profile petition accusing the Pheu Thai Party of being dominated by paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The petition alleged that Thaksin’s influence and the controversial digital wallet scheme used in their election campaign violated section 49 of the Constitution. Decha Chairat, the petitioner, didn’t stop there. He also accused Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin…
- Thailand News
Man’s body found in car park in Bangkok market
A Bangkok market was thrown into chaos yesterday after the discovery of a man’s body in a parking lot. The police are investigating suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, including wounds that do not match the position of the body when found. At 8am yesterday, police officer Thananchai Kanthahatthi from Rat Burana Police Station received a report of a dead man…
- Thailand News
Executive arrested for hazardous materials at Phetchabun factory
The Thai authorities swooped to arrest an executive at Win Process, en route to another factory in Phetchabun Province for possessing unauthorised hazardous materials. The executive, Ophas, faces court charges and is expected to be involved in 14 additional cases. A raid on another site uncovered numerous documents. Police from the Map Ta Phut Police Station in Rayong Province detained…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s new visa rules for tourists and expats from June 1
Thailand is planning to extend its visa-free policy to 60 days for nationals from 93 countries, including the UK, EU nations, the US, and Australia. This means tourists can now enjoy double the time in the Land of Smiles without paying a single baht. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the change but kept the details under wraps. However, it appears…
- Thailand News
Heroic doctor leads rescue after Singapore Airlines emergency
Thailand has been lauded for its rapid and efficient response to an emergency when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21. Heading the emergency operation after Flight SQ321 diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport was Dr Wichanya Burirak, a dedicated physician and aviation enthusiast. Chiang Mai University, where Wichanya graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, expressed pride…
- Thailand News
World Otter Day highlights conservation efforts in Thailand
Today marks World Otter Day, an initiative aimed to raise awareness about the protection of otters, classified as endangered wildlife. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) designated the last Wednesday of May each year to highlight the threats facing otters, such as habitat destruction, illegal fur trade, pollution, and poaching. Otters, members of the weasel family, are the largest animals in…
- Thailand News
Weed demand justice: Cannabis advocates’ reclassification rally in Bangkok
Cannabis entrepreneurs, farmers, and activists gathered in Bangkok to protest the government’s plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, only two years after its decriminalisation. The rally, held yesterday in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific headquarters, saw nearly 2,000 signatures collected to support a legal petition aimed at halting the government’s…
- Thailand News
Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise
During the Council of Economic Ministers’ meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showered praise on Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for his constructive opinions on economic measures. This commendation comes hot on the heels of criticism from the PM’s adviser, Pichai Naripathaphan, who had lambasted the central bank for its inaction in supporting the government’s efforts to spur economic growth.…
- Thailand News
AirAsia soars to new heights: Asia’s best low-cost carrier for 2024
AirAsia Group and its affiliates AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X have been crowned Asia’s Top Low-Cost Carrier for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com at their prestigious Airline Excellence Awards. This accolade marks a significant milestone in AirAsia’s storied journey. Launched in 2001 by visionary founders Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes with just two aircraft, the airline has soared to unimaginable…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways airbus to retrofit A320s with reclining seats
In a groundbreaking move for aviation luxury in the Asia-Pacific region, Airbus has inked a deal with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to retrofit its fleet of 20 A320ceo aircraft with premium reclining business class seats. This marks Airbus’ first-ever cabin retrofit for a single-aisle fleet in this part of the world. This initiative is part of THAI’s broader…
- Thailand News
Wissanu to advise Cabinet on legal matters, no political role
Seasoned legal expert and former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is poised to become an adviser to the Secretariat of the Cabinet, assisting with the government’s legal affairs. Wissanu confirmed yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would appoint him to the position. He mentioned that the secretariat had previously approached him for the role following his departure as deputy prime minister…
- Thailand News
Thai banks urged to ‘transact green’ by BoT to aid local businesses
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) urges large commercial banks in Thailand to provide transition finance to aid local businesses in shifting from carbon-intensive operations to more sustainable practices. During the seminar EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action organised by Kasikornbank, Ronadol Numnonda, deputy governor of the central bank, revealed that last year, large local banks reported a total of…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence
Thailand set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Thai Cabinet approved a draft of the official letter indicating Thailand’s intention to join the group, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of…
- Thailand News
Foreign nationals arrested after bike rampage on Koh Samui (video)
Chaos erupted on the usually serene holiday island of Koh Samui when two foreign nationals turned the tranquil road leading to Choengmon Beach into their personal racetrack. Equipped with roaring big bikes and an audacious attitude, their disruptive antics soon drew the ire of locals. Residents, living in the northeast corner of the island, initially made a complaint to the…
- Thailand News
Missing Thai woman found safe in Switzerland
A 32 year old Thai woman, who mysteriously vanished in Switzerland nearly a month ago, has been found safe and well, the Thai embassy in Bern confirmed. Nantiwa Saejiw, also known as Noon, who travelled to Switzerland on a Swedish passport with her American boyfriend in early April, had not been in contact with her family since April 26. The…
- Thailand News
Thaksin voices support for Srettha amid court case
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra voiced his unwavering support for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin amidst a Constitutional Court case that threatens to unseat him. “I want the prime minister to stay in office as long as possible.” Thaksin praised the Bangkok-born Srettha’s performance since taking office last August. In a rare interview with Thai media, the ex-PM dismissed concerns that…
- Thailand News
North Thailand: Man pleads with estranged wife who left with monk
A Uthai Thani man is pleading for his estranged wife to return after she allegedly left with a monk. The Thai man, 61 year old Sanan, made a tearful appeal through the media, urging his 53 year old wife, Nanthawan to come back to their home in Nong Chang district. Sanan expressed his willingness to forgive her relationship with the…
- Thailand News
High-speed rail link between three airports to start this year
The high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is set to kick off later this year following a revised agreement between the state and project developers. Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), confirmed that the SRT’s board has acknowledged the agreement. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee and the Cabinet will…
- Thailand News
Thousands rally to greet Thaksin in Korat homecoming
The red shirts are rolling out the red carpet for Thaksin Shinawatra, as the paroled former prime minister prepares for his first visit to the northeastern province in almost two decades today. Kowit Khorhenklang, a fervent supporter of Thaksin, anticipates a crowd of 3,000 to join him at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida district this afternoon. Thaksin will attend the…
- Thailand News
Eight-figure payouts loom for Singapore Airlines injured passengers
Passengers with severe injuries from the terrifying Singapore Airlines flight turbulence could be in line for eight-figure compensation, says top lawyer. Following the extreme turbulence encountered by Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 this week, passengers with spinal and brain injuries might seek massive payouts, with one legal expert suggesting claims could reach easily into seven and sometimes eight-figure sums. Peter Neenan,…
