Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.
  • Politics NewsAnutin brushes off China worries over rare earths deal with US | Thaiger

    Anutin brushes off China worries over rare earths deal with US

    Thailand’s prime minister dismissed concerns that a new rare earth cooperation deal with the US could strain relations with China, calling it goodwill. PM Anutin Charnvirakul made the remarks after returning from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, addressing media at Don Mueang’s Wing 6 terminal in Bangkok yesterday, October 28. Anutin was responding to questions about the memorandum of…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok couple arrested for sex trafficking underage girls | Thaiger

    Bangkok couple arrested for sex trafficking underage girls

    Police have apprehended a couple operating a hotel in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok for allegedly sex trafficking underage girls. The arrest was made yesterday, October 28, led by Police Colonel Witthaya Sriprasertphap, head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division. The suspects, 58 year old Wichit and his 37 year old wife, Boom, face charges of human trafficking and facilitating…

  • Pattaya NewsJilted ex snatches bag in Pattaya, chased down by locals | Thaiger

    Jilted ex snatches bag in Pattaya, chased down by locals

    A Thai woman was left shaken after her ex-boyfriend allegedly snatched her bag in Pattaya, prompting nearby residents to intervene and detain the suspect. The incident occurred at around 12.10am on Monday, October 27, in Soi Pattaya Tai 24, when a 35 year old Thai woman was approached by her former boyfriend, an Indian national, who allegedly attempted to reconcile…

  • Phuket NewsPatong scrambles for help after hillside collapse chaos | Thaiger

    Patong scrambles for help after hillside collapse chaos

    A landslide struck a hillside road in Patong following heavy rain, prompting officials to seek urgent help from provincial and national agencies. The incident occurred on the upper slope of 50 Pi Road, where heavy rain last week triggered a collapse of foundations and retaining walls. Concrete debris and soil fell onto the roadside below, forcing a temporary road closure.…

  • Phuket NewsBurmese worker dies after fall from moving garbage truck in Kathu | Thaiger

    Burmese worker dies after fall from moving garbage truck in Kathu

    A Myanmar worker died after falling from a moving garbage truck in Kathu district, Phuket, while transporting waste, prompting a police investigation into the fatal accident. The incident occurred around 2.20pm yesterday, October 28, near the Kathu Social Security Office on Phra Phuket Kaew Road. Police and emergency responders arrived to find a six-wheeled private garbage truck parked at the…

  • Business NewsThai govt fires up 44 billion baht cash splash to boost spending | Thaiger

    Thai govt fires up 44 billion baht cash splash to boost spending

    Thailand’s government has launched a nationwide co-payment scheme to boost consumer spending and support economic growth in the final quarter of the year. The Khon La Khrueng Plus programme, officially launched today, October 29, aims to boost domestic spending and soften the blow of a projected Q4 slowdown. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the initiative is expected to lift GDP…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok duo arrested for 1 million baht burglary next door | Thaiger

    Bangkok duo arrested for 1 million baht burglary next door

    A Bangkok woman returned home to find her house ransacked, prompting police to arrest two men accused of stealing valuables worth over 1 million baht. Samran, a 69 year old Thung Khru resident, came home to discover nearly all her belongings had been stolen, including six air conditioners, household appliances, furniture and religious statues. The suspects, both 25 years old,…

  • Pattaya NewsUS$2,000 vanishes from Finnish tourists’ Pattaya holiday home | Thaiger

    US$2,000 vanishes from Finnish tourists’ Pattaya holiday home

    Two tourists reported a theft after discovering US$2,000 missing from their rented Pattaya home following a brief outing, prompting a police investigation. A pair of Finnish tourists in Pattaya had their holiday turn sour after returning to their rental house to discover US$2,000 in cash had mysteriously vanished. The incident occurred in Soi Jomtien 7, where the sisters had rented…

  • Thailand NewsMinistry confirms schools can celebrate during mourning | Thaiger

    Ministry confirms schools can celebrate during mourning

    Thailand’s Education Ministry has clarified its stance on school celebrations, confirming that festivities are not banned, despite earlier confusion caused by conflicting guidelines. An urgent notice, issued to private schools yesterday, October 28, cancels the ministry’s previous directive and outlines revised measures. The new guidelines, effective from October 25, came following an executive meeting held on Monday, October 27. Academic…

  • Thailand NewsHong Thai defends balm recall, vows tighter safety checks | Thaiger

    Hong Thai defends balm recall, vows tighter safety checks

    A herbal balm manufacturer has recalled a product after Thai health officials found contamination during a routine inspection, prompting a public safety warning. Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd., the maker of the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, has announced a recall of production Lot 000332 following an inspection by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Routine tests found that…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for showers, chilly air and rough seas ahead | Thaiger

    Thailand braces for showers, chilly air and rough seas ahead

    Thailand will experience cooler mornings and scattered rain as changing weather patterns bring showers and wind to several regions across the country. A high-pressure system over upper Thailand and a low-pressure cell near southern Vietnam are bringing rain, cool mornings, and rough seas nationwide. The weather forecast from 6pm yesterday, October 28, to 6pm today, October 29, is as follows: In…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok salon owner shaken by gun-toting cop impersonator (video) | Thaiger

    Bangkok salon owner shaken by gun-toting cop impersonator (video)

    A Bangkok salon owner has called for police protection after a disturbing encounter with an armed man claiming to be a police officer outside her business. The owner, 39 year old Nisarat “Niko” Auayklang, was at her hair salon on Rat Burana Road when the frightening incident occurred around midday. According to her account, a stranger aged between 35 and…

  • Tourism NewsTourism dips as Thailand tackles debt and sluggish growth | Thaiger

    Tourism dips as Thailand tackles debt and sluggish growth

    Thailand’s foreign arrivals declined over a recent 10-month period, prompting officials to revise forecasts and accelerate economic recovery efforts. Thailand welcomed 26.25 million foreign visitors from January 1 to October 26 this year, marking a 7.25% drop compared to the same period in 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced today, October 28. Malaysia led the pack as the…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal tribute: Loy Krathong to proceed with subdued tone | Thaiger

    Royal tribute: Loy Krathong to proceed with subdued tone

    The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that Thailand’s traditional Loy Krathong Festival will go ahead as planned, albeit with a more subdued tone to honour the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaiset stated that the festival, traditionally marked by colourful celebrations and river lanterns, will continue under the revised theme, Thai Loy…

  • Thailand NewsThai herbal balm flagged for contamination in FDA safety alert | Thaiger

    Thai herbal balm flagged for contamination in FDA safety alert

    A popular herbal balm has been slapped with a public health warning after failing safety tests, with Thai authorities revealing it could pose serious health risks. Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has flagged the Herbal Mixed Balm, Hong Thai Brand, Formula 2 (registration number G309/62) for microbial contamination after routine sampling found it breached multiple safety regulations. The balm,…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya’s crumbling footpaths spark tourist safety fears | Thaiger

    Pattaya’s crumbling footpaths spark tourist safety fears

    Pattaya’s footpaths are drawing fresh complaints from locals and tourists, who say the city’s walkways remain unsafe, cluttered, and poorly maintained. Residents and visitors are voicing growing frustration over the city’s failing pedestrian infrastructure, saying that despite big promises from officials, Pattaya’s pavements remain a dangerous mess. Critics say enforcement is nearly non-existent. Motorcycles regularly zoom along footpaths as makeshift…

  • EducationEducation Ministry denies school event ban during mourning | Thaiger

    Education Ministry denies school event ban during mourning

    Thailand’s Education Ministry has denied issuing a blanket ban on school activities during the national mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, following backlash from parents and educators online. Concerns were sparked after the ministry circulated a directive urging educational institutions to avoid “joyful activities” for one year out of respect. However, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has…

  • FinanceHow to claim your cash in Thailand’s co-pay wallet scheme | Thaiger

    How to claim your cash in Thailand’s co-pay wallet scheme

    Thailand’s co-pay scheme returns, allowing eligible users to start spending via the Paotang app after topping up their G Wallet through various methods. Thailand’s popular co-payment scheme Khon La Khrueng Plus is back, and eligible users can start spending from tomorrow, October 29, through the Paotang app. But before cashing in on the perks, beneficiaries must first top up their…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya fireworks to honour Queen Mother with tribute show | Thaiger

    Pattaya fireworks to honour Queen Mother with tribute show

    Pattaya will host its annual fireworks festival, with organisers adjusting the programme to honour Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, during the national mourning period. Scheduled for November 28 and 29, this year’s festival will proceed under the theme The Light of Eternal Loyalty, reflecting national mourning and the late Queen Mother’s enduring legacy. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet confirmed the festival…

  • Tourism NewsThailand eyes 1.2 million US tourists with new flight boom | Thaiger

    Thailand eyes 1.2 million US tourists with new flight boom

    Thailand is preparing to welcome a surge in tourists from the US, as new flight routes and increased interest in luxury travel drive up arrival forecasts. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced that the country expects nearly 1.2 million visitors from the United States in 2026, an 8% jump from this year. The forecast follows the return…

  • Pattaya NewsMan flees to rooftop as Sri Racha apartment goes up in flames | Thaiger

    Man flees to rooftop as Sri Racha apartment goes up in flames

    A fire broke out in a Sri Racha apartment, forcing a man to escape to the rooftop, where emergency crews later rescued him amid thick smoke and flames. The blaze broke out around 10am on Sunday, October 26, at the rear of a three-storey commercial building on 9 Kilo Road, directly opposite a well-known local school. Officials believe the fire…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket mourns Queen Mother with island-wide tributes | Thaiger

    Phuket mourns Queen Mother with island-wide tributes

    Phuket fell into quiet mourning as locals and tourists joined together to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, with solemn tributes and ceremonial blessings across the island. The public is invited to take part in water blessing ceremonies and sign official books of condolences in memory of Her Majesty, whose lifelong devotion to the Thai people is being…

  • Politics NewsUS calls on Thailand, Cambodia to release detained soldiers | Thaiger

    US calls on Thailand, Cambodia to release detained soldiers

    The United States has turned up the pressure on Thailand and Cambodia to start the release of 18 detained soldiers without delay, following a new ceasefire agreement signed in the presence of US President Donald Trump. A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington expects swift action now that both Southeast Asian nations have committed to…

  • Pattaya NewsChon Buri woman followed home in late-night break-in scare | Thaiger

    Chon Buri woman followed home in late-night break-in scare

    A woman in Chon Buri was followed home by a man who later tried to break into her house, prompting a police investigation and calls for public vigilance. The incident took place in a neighbourhood in Sri Racha and was captured on CCTV. Prueksa Boonlom, a 33 year old restaurant receptionist, had just finished her shift around 2am and was…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesCool mornings, rain and rough seas forecast across Thailand | Thaiger

    Cool mornings, rain and rough seas forecast across Thailand

    Thailand braces for a mix of cool mornings, scattered rain, and rough seas as changing weather systems sweep across the country, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns. A high-pressure system draped over upper Thailand is locking in cooler morning temperatures, particularly in the north and northeast. Meanwhile, a low-pressure cell hovering off southern Vietnam is fuelling unstable conditions in the…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya bar offers bounty after thief nabs prized BMX bike | Thaiger

    Pattaya bar offers bounty after thief nabs prized BMX bike

    A bar in Pattaya is appealing for help after a thief stole a customer’s bicycle, prompting a police report and a cash reward for its return. The incident, which occurred on Monday, October 20, was captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, sparking public outrage and concerns over the bar’s reputation. The bar, located in Soi 6, is…

  • Business NewsThailand rolls out rice rescue plan to lift farmer incomes | Thaiger

    Thailand rolls out rice rescue plan to lift farmer incomes

    Thailand’s Commerce Ministry announced new measures to support rice farmers by stabilising paddy prices and managing the flow of 14 million tonnes. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said the new strategy could result in an average price increase of 3% to 5% for paddy rice. “This approach is designed to balance supply with market demand and provide…

  • Politics NewsAnutin hits back at scam claims, calls rumours baseless | Thaiger

    Anutin hits back at scam claims, calls rumours baseless

    Thailand’s prime minister denied involvement in scam networks following international reports, reaffirming government efforts to crack down on cybercrime. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has hit back at allegations linking him to scam operations in Thailand, dismissing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated. The remarks follow a New York Times report naming Thailand as a hotspot for scam activity, sparking…

  • Bangkok NewsThai govt denies event ban, urges respect for Queen Sirikit | Thaiger

    Thai govt denies event ban, urges respect for Queen Sirikit

    Thai officials have clarified that no ban has been imposed on private events, urging organisers to adjust activities respectfully during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The government has clarified that no official ban has been imposed on private entertainment events during the national mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, urging only that activities…

  • Aviation NewsNew Norse Air routes boost Bangkok and Phuket winter arrivals | Thaiger

    New Norse Air routes boost Bangkok and Phuket winter arrivals

    Thailand will welcome more European visitors this winter as a low-cost airline launches five new direct routes to Bangkok and Phuket from the UK and Scandinavia. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is celebrating the launch of five new direct flights by Norse Atlantic Airways, strengthening long-haul connectivity from Europe to Bangkok and Phuket for the 2025/2026 winter season. The…