Puntid Tantivangphaisal

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.
  • Thailand NewsThai Health: Free telemedicine for citizens abroad

    Thai Health: Free telemedicine for citizens abroad

    The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is set to roll out a revolutionary Telemedicine service catering to Thai citizens across the globe through the widely acclaimed gold card scheme. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed the details of this game-changing initiative aimed at providing quality medical and public health services at zero cost. “Our goal is simple: seamless healthcare access for…

  • Thailand NewsCommerce Ministry’s plan to catapult SMEs to 40% GDP by 2027

    Commerce Ministry’s plan to catapult SMEs to 40% GDP by 2027

    The Commerce Ministry unleashed an ambitious plan to elevate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to new heights, targeting a staggering 40% contribution to the GDP by 2027. A comprehensive strategy is set to turbocharge consumption, investment, government spending, and international trade, propelling SMEs into the forefront of economic prowess. Acknowledging the pivotal role SMEs play in Thailand’s economic fabric, Commerce…

  • Thailand NewsPM launches ’30 baht plus’ health scheme in Roi-Et

    PM launches ’30 baht plus’ health scheme in Roi-Et

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to kickstart a revolutionary healthcare initiative dubbed the 30-baht Plus universal health scheme. The grand launch is scheduled for this Sunday, January 7, in the northeastern province of Roi-Et. This innovative trial, to be initially rolled out in Roi-Et, Phrae, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat, promises free medical services at state and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.…

  • Thailand NewsDrug-fuelled party raided in Sattahip, teens arrested

    Drug-fuelled party raided in Sattahip, teens arrested

    Sattahip Police Station orchestrated a shutdown of a raucous drug party at an undisclosed pool villa in the Bang Sare subdistrict of Chon Buri province yesterday, January 4. The villa’s name remains under wraps as authorities delve into the aftermath of the wild revelry. Over 20 officers stormed the villa, responding to numerous grievances from bleary-eyed locals disturbed by the…

  • Thailand NewsPower play: Energy minister’s plan sparks potential for across-the-board cost cuts

    Power play: Energy minister’s plan sparks potential for across-the-board cost cuts

    Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga unveiled a plan that could slash energy costs across the board. Pirapan declared yesterday, January 3, that a paradigm shift is imminent in the gas supply sector, aiming to empower power producers and significantly cut down on electricity expenses. The key? A strategic merger of gas pools to unleash a domino effect that could alter the…

  • Thailand NewsVietnam fines TikTok influencer for Angkor Wat mix-up

    Vietnam fines TikTok influencer for Angkor Wat mix-up

    In a 90-second TikTok clip that shook the social media scene, Vietnamese influencer Hua Quoc Anh found himself in hot waters after overlaying the Thai flag on an image of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The influencer faced a hefty US$300 fine (approximately 10,000 baht) and a stern meeting with the authorities. Vietnam, known for its tight grip on social media in…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal ripple: US court docs weave tangled ties, linking Prince Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein scandal (video)

    Royal ripple: US court docs weave tangled ties, linking Prince Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein scandal (video)

    Newly released US court documents have unveiled a web of connections between high-profile figures and the notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – including Prince Andrew. The scandalous details, including accusations against the 63 year old Duke of York, and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, are sending shockwaves through elite circles. Prince Andrew finds himself entangled in the latest…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s Kra Isthmus Land Bridge promises economic boom for Penang Port

    Thailand’s Kra Isthmus Land Bridge promises economic boom for Penang Port

    Thailand is eyeing a colossal infrastructure project, a 90-kilometre land bridge across the Kra Isthmus, set to revolutionise maritime trade and shower economic benefits on ports in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Penang Port Sdn Bhd CEO V Sasedharan envisions this ambitious project as a potential game-changer, akin to the impact the Suez Canal had on Egyptian waterway-adjacent ports. The proposed land…

  • Thailand News100% recovery predicted for Thailand’s hospitality sector

    100% recovery predicted for Thailand’s hospitality sector

    In an exclusive interview, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the Thai Hotel Association (THA) President, shared her optimism about Thailand‘s tourism prospects, predicting a remarkable comeback from the pandemic’s impact by the latter half of 2024. “2023 saw Thai hotels at a 60% occupancy rate, down from the pre-Covid glory of 75% in 2019. However, with more flights to Thailand and a…

  • Thailand NewsZika alert: Hua Hin calls for pregnant women to undergo virus test

    Zika alert: Hua Hin calls for pregnant women to undergo virus test

    As Zika fears grip Hua Hin, the quaint Thai resort town finds itself battling a sudden surge in cases. The Public Health Office of Prachuap Khiri Khan is sounding the alarm, urging expectant mothers to take immediate action. In response to an alarming spike in Zika virus cases, the Public Health Office of Prachuap Khiri Khan has issued a stark…

  • Thailand NewsStreet shootout shakes Phuket: Teen hospitalised, passerby catches stray bullet drama

    Street shootout shakes Phuket: Teen hospitalised, passerby catches stray bullet drama

    A teenager yesterday was hospitalised after a tumultuous shootout on a street near Saphan Hin, Phuket. A passerby suffered a shoulder wound whilst the teen had a head injury. Phuket Police received a report of a shootout near the Phuket Marine police chief’s residence on Phuket Road yesterday, January 3, at 3.10am. Police found a damaged glass louvre in one of…

  • Thailand NewsCity Hall city sweeps streets, leaves residents puzzled: 200 abandoned cars vanish

    City Hall city sweeps streets, leaves residents puzzled: 200 abandoned cars vanish

    City Hall successfully wiped over 200 abandoned cars off the streets of Bangkok, leaving residents baffled. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) disclosed their battle against 1,399 derelict vehicles from 2019 to last year. However, the real jaw-dropper is the 203 abandoned cars that mysteriously disappeared after no owners claimed them. Bangkok Deputy Governor Chakkraphan Phiewngam took charge on January 2,…

  • Thailand NewsQuake, planes, and prices: Thai tourists undeterred in the face of Japan’s travel turmoil

    Quake, planes, and prices: Thai tourists undeterred in the face of Japan’s travel turmoil

    Thai tourists seem undeterred by Japan‘s recent bout of earthquakes, airplane fireballs, and escalating travel costs. The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) predicts that Japan will maintain its allure as the ultimate outbound destination for Thai visitors this year. Phumiphiphat Meesamran, TTAA’s Vice-President, revealed that the earthquake on New Year’s Day predominantly impacted Ishikawa prefecture, a lesser-known destination for Thai…

  • Thailand NewsStudents and activists set to storm Government House over Thaksin’s VIP treatment

    Students and activists set to storm Government House over Thaksin’s VIP treatment

    Students and activists from the People’s Network for Thailand Reform (STR) are set to storm Government House next Friday, January 12, demanding answers over the controversial treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin, convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison, has spent nearly five months receiving special privileges outside the confines of incarceration, sparking suspicions of preferential treatment.…

  • Thailand NewsHeartless thief in Pattaya targets disabled woman’s lifeline: Stolen electric handcycle sparks outrage

    Heartless thief in Pattaya targets disabled woman’s lifeline: Stolen electric handcycle sparks outrage

    A heartless thief left a disabled woman in Pattaya stranded after callously swiping her electric handcycle, her lifeline to mobility, on December 31 last year. The 20 year old victim, Alisa Umsin, now faces an uphill battle without her essential aid. The Thai woman with impairment to both her legs was left devastated when her electric handcycle, a vital hybrid…

  • Thailand NewsDemocrat Jurin calls government budget plan ‘lame duck’

    Democrat Jurin calls government budget plan ‘lame duck’

    Jurin Laksanawisit, a Democrat party-list MP, slammed the Thai government, branding its budget a “lame duck catastrophe.” Unleashing a fiery critique, Jurin accused the ruling Pheu Thai Party of political trickery, leaving the nation teetering on an economic tightrope. Jurin took centre stage, launching an attack against the government’s budget yesterday, January 3. Describing it as a lame duck, he…

  • Thailand NewsThai elderly in yellow aprons fight homelessness on Bangkok streets

    Thai elderly in yellow aprons fight homelessness on Bangkok streets

    The sight of elderly individuals in yellow aprons diligently cleaning pedestrian flyovers under the pelting sun may be disturbing to many. After all, most Thais have been raised to respect the elders and ensure they are well looked after. With Jang Wan Kha, or Please Hire Us, boldly written on their aprons, these seasoned citizens are not forgotten souls left…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s airports vow to eliminate carbon emissions by 2032

    Thailand’s airports vow to eliminate carbon emissions by 2032

    Airports of Thailand (AOT) is gearing up to transform the aviation landscape by pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and zero carbon emissions by 2032. AOT, responsible for overseeing the nation’s major hubs, has laid out an ambitious strategy to slash a whopping 50% of its annual carbon footprint, currently standing at 300,000 tons. Keerati Kitmanawat, AOT’s dynamic CEO…

  • Thailand NewsRussian upper class take over Phuket properties

    Russian upper class take over Phuket properties

    Phuket has become a playground for Russia’s wealthy elite, causing property prices to skyrocket by 15 to 20%. Amidst Thailand’s tourism boom and the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, affluent Russians are making Phuket their long-term home, revealed Maetapong Upatising, president of the Phuket Real Estate Association. “Phuket’s allure lies in its world-class amenities, including an international airport, schools, golf…

  • Thailand NewsIndigo soars: Dark horse carrier claims global on-time flight victory in latest Cirium report

    Indigo soars: Dark horse carrier claims global on-time flight victory in latest Cirium report

    India‘s very own IndiGo has emerged as the dark horse, claiming the fourth spot globally in on-time performance for flights, according to the latest report from travel data analytics firm Cirium. In a surprising turn of events, Avianca Airlines of Colombia secured the top spot with an impressive 85.73% on-time performance, closely followed by Brazil’s Azul Airlines and Qatar Airways.…

  • Thailand NewsTourists numbers to return to pre-covid in Chiang Mai

    Tourists numbers to return to pre-covid in Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai, the picturesque northern Thai capital, last year witnessed a jaw-dropping 30% plunge in tourism, with a mere 3.9 million visitors gracing its vibrant landscapes last year, in stark contrast to the 5.6 million footfalls pre-Covid in 2019. This startling data, unveiled by social enterprise Visit Chiang Mai, paints a gloomy picture for the once-thriving tourist hotspot. A closer…

  • Thailand NewsPM’s plush pad revealed: Exclusive peek into Srettha Thavisin’s swanky Government House makeover

    PM’s plush pad revealed: Exclusive peek into Srettha Thavisin’s swanky Government House makeover

    Exclusive images of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s revamped residence at Government House have just hit the headlines, giving us a sneak peek into the luxurious second-floor haven. In a move echoing historical significance, the 61 year old prime minister is set to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, aka Marshal P. The swanky abode, set…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya’s stinky scandal: Indian restaurant responsible for foul smell

    Pattaya’s stinky scandal: Indian restaurant responsible for foul smell

    The air near Phra Tamnak Hill in Pattaya recently turned putrid, leaving residents fuming over an unrelenting foul smell since yesterday, January 2. Suspected to emanate from a deluge of waste clogging up the drainage system, fingers are pointing at a nearby unnamed Indian eatery, accused of sidestepping proper waste disposal. Despite two complaints lodged with the Pattaya Municipal Office…

  • Thailand NewsMotorcyclist killed in pickup truck crash in Chon Buri

    Motorcyclist killed in pickup truck crash in Chon Buri

    A road accident on Chon Buri-Ban Bueng Road in Mueang District resulted in a fatality where a pickup truck hit a motorcyclist, on New Year’s Day. Panuwat Jinpra, a 26 year old Thai man, lost his life in a gruesome motorcycle accident at kilometre marker 7 in the Nong Ree sub-district, Mueang district. The chilling crash, involving a yellow motorcycle…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s triumph and tribulations: OECD report urges bold reforms

    Thailand’s triumph and tribulations: OECD report urges bold reforms

    Thailand has made good economic recovery post-pandemic, with tourism as a major boost, however, a recent report from the Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the need for bold reforms to solidify and extend this triumph. The second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand commends the nation for averting a severe economic downturn during the pandemic, crediting robust fiscal support.…

  • Thailand NewsCovid-19 cases skyrocket after new year holiday

    Covid-19 cases skyrocket after new year holiday

    As the world ushered in the new year with hope, statistics revealed a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases across Thailand, leaving experts scrambling for answers. The Covid wave is intensifying, sending shockwaves through the medical community. According to an epidemiologist from Chulalongkorn University, hospitalisations have soared by 7% compared to last week. Associate Professor Thira Woratanarat warns that respiratory problems linked…

  • Thailand NewsThai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal

    Thai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a stern warning to a Transport Company chief, threatening dire consequences if the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal isn’t swiftly improved. The ultimatum comes on the heels of public outrage and scathing remarks from Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who exposed the terminal’s grim conditions. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke declared yesterday, January…

  • Thailand NewsTying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride

    Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride

    The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…

  • Thailand NewsKo Mai Thon speedboat accident: Captain found drug positive

    Ko Mai Thon speedboat accident: Captain found drug positive

    A speedboat collision off Mai Thon Island near Phuket on New Year’s Eve claimed the life of a five year old Russian girl, with others facing life-threatening injuries. The tragedy took a bizarre turn as reports surfaced, revealing that the 41 year old captain, currently on life support, tested positive for an amphetamine-related substance. Phuket authorities are now under scrutiny,…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok City Pillar Shrine flooded with devotees with new year wishes

    Bangkok City Pillar Shrine flooded with devotees with new year wishes

    Believers swarmed the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine on the occasion of welcoming another new year, seeking celestial blessings for a triumphant start to 2024. The usually tranquil shrine, nestled on Lak Mung Road in the Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang sub-district of Phra Nakhon district, witnessed an unprecedented surge of faithful on New Year’s Eve, extending their spiritual quests well into…