- Thailand News
Deputy minister’s son crashes BMW into police checkpoint
Traffic Police Division 5 officials in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district found themselves in a high-speed chase with the son of a deputy minister. The 46 year old man in question was behind the wheel of his sleek BMW sports car when the vehicle careened into steel barricades at a police checkpoint near Soi Ratchadaphisek 31. The driver declined an alcohol test,…
- Thailand News
Brewing herbal revolution: Thai herbs poised to spice up global markets
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke unveiled Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s master plan to transform Thai herbs into a formidable soft power product, captivating domestic and international markets. “Prime Minister Thavisin’s vision is crystal clear: to propel Thailand’s herbal industry to unprecedented heights, elevating the status of Thai herbs worldwide.” Harnessing the innate medicinal prowess, rich biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge embedded within…
- Thailand News
Food for thought: Thai restaurant operators adopt new strategies
The increasingly competitive nature of Thailand’s food industry has spurred restaurant operators to adopt inventive strategies. They are now focusing on adapting to shifts in consumer preferences and lifestyle changes, ensuring their businesses remain competitive and continue to grow, as noted by the leader of a prominent conglomerate. Nath Vongphanich, who heads Central Restaurants Group, estimated the restaurant market in…
- Thailand News
Klook and TAT join forces to revolutionise Thailand tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Klook, Asia’s premier platform for travel experiences, have inked a deal to supercharge the kingdom’s allure. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool expressed the perfect timing for this collaboration, highlighting their shared goals of promoting Thailand as a top tourist destination. “We have set our goals to collaborate and create comprehensive joint marketing with Klook…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s power play: Srettha hints at defence portfolio addition
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload. This bombshell revelation comes amidst swirling speculations about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle that could reshape Thailand’s political landscape. Addressing a curious press pool after the delayed Cabinet meeting, the 62 year old PM, wearing a…
- Thailand News
Five dead in Nakhon Phanom road accident
A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province. The incident, which occurred at 12.30pm yesterday, involved a vehicle carrying six relatives from Amnat Charoen province. The driver, 42 year old Kanchai Sarakun was among the deceased. The latest…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai Party eyes House Speaker position
The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. This move is part of the ruling party’s strategy to restructure its parliamentary operations, and it is predicted that the position might be given to a prominent member of the party, possibly a minister who may be removed…
- Thailand News
Thai and Taiwanese firms join to build medical products plant
Aiming to capitalise on the government’s initiative to make Thailand a medical hub in Southeast Asia, Thai firm Namwiwat Medical Corporation (Nam) and Taiwanese company Somnics Inc have joined forces to construct a new manufacturing plant. The facility, intended to serve as an export base, will produce a wide range of medical products, including sleep-enhancing devices. Nam, a local sterilised…
- Thailand News
Phuket officials explore technology collaboration on Chengdu visit
Phuket officials recently concluded a three-day visit to Chengdu, in China, focusing on potential collaborative ventures in trade, investment, and tourism. One of the key discussions centred on the application of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, to tackle various challenges in Phuket, including traffic management and tourist assistance. The delegation, led by the President of the Phuket Chamber…
- Thailand News
Pattaya sees record tourist surge during Songkran
As the extended Songkran holiday wrapped up on Tuesday, tourists bid farewell to the sun-kissed islands surrounding Pattaya, turning the Bali Hai Pier area into a buzzing hub of activity. Local authorities ramped up services to cater to the influx, ensuring convenience for visitors throughout the holiday period. Officers stationed at the pier witnessed a remarkable influx of tourists from…
- Thailand News
Bangkok commuters to ride electric trains for just 20 baht
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged that by September 2025, electric train rides throughout the metropolitan area will cost a mere 20 baht, fulfilling a longstanding promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. This initiative, initially implemented on select lines last year, faced scepticism from opposition figures like Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the Move Forward Party. Yet, Suriya remains steadfast, asserting that…
- Thailand News
Police officer receives brain surgery after Songkran accident
A police officer was transferred to the Police Hospital in Bangkok following a severe traffic collision that left him critically injured. The incident occurred during the mid-Songkran festival traffic duties in Lopburi province when a female driver struck the officer, 39 year old Police Lance Corporal Piyaphan Seesuay, also known as Dab Tao. The medical team, after an immediate CT…
- Thailand News
Three year old girl survives Ferris wheel plunge in Bangkok
In a heart-stopping moment captured on CCTV, a three year old Thai girl found herself dangling from a Ferris wheel gondola after a daring grab for a metal bar sent her on a terrifying ride at Liab Duan Market in Bangkok. With astonishing strength, little Kanchaya Phoyen clung on for dear life as the wheel ascended, eventually dropping a stomach-churning…
- Thailand News
NZAero’s mega deal set to soar with Thai aviation giants
NZAero has clinched a monumental multi-million dollar agreement with a major Thai firm. The deal, inked during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s diplomatic rendezvous in Thailand, promises a lucrative windfall and a plethora of job opportunities for the Kiwi aviation sector. NZAero’s CEO Stephen Burrows sealed the pact destined to bolster Royal Thai Airforce operations. This pivotal agreement spans…
- Thailand News
Sanam Luang Songkran bash smashes records
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) declared the recent Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok a resounding success, drawing in a staggering 784,000 participants. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the triumphant news at a press conference, unveiling the splashing success of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024. The vibrant celebrations, spanning from April 11 to 15 on Rajdamnoen Klang…
- Thailand News
Thailand forges ‘Strategic Partnership’ with New Zealand
Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic “Strategic Partnership” journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out the red carpet for New Zealand’s Premier Christopher Luxon at Government House, overseeing the signing of two game-changing Memorandums of Understanding. The first pact is a…
- Thailand News
Police checkpoint blitz targets helmetless riders in Pattaya
To curb the mayhem on Thailand’s roads during the Songkran Festival, Bang Lamung police have unleashed a blitz on helmetless riders. Setting up shop along Sukhumvit Road in Nong Prue Subdistrict on Thursday, officers aimed to tackle the notorious issue of motorcyclists without helmets, a leading cause of accidents, especially during festive times. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jakrit Chantakham, Traffic Inspector…
- Thailand News
Pattaya beachfront gets a makeover to enhance city image
A major makeover is unfolding along the 2.7-kilometre coastline of Pattaya Beach. Spearheaded by Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai the project is set to redefine the city’s landscape and will be completed ahead of the original deadline. Funded by a 166 million baht budget, this facelift aims to boost the city’s image and enhance amenities for residents and tourists alike. The…
- Thailand News
Chanthaburi ignites night-time Songkran with spirited water fights
Chanthaburi’s Khao Thip Road was awash with festivities as the first night-time Songkran celebration in Thailand commenced at 8pm yesterday. Tens of thousands of tourists flocked to engage in the water-splashing merriments, marking the start of the country’s traditional New Year. The event, taking place along the Tha Chalaeb Road and encircling the public park lake of Somdet Phra Chao…
- Thailand News
Phi Phi Islands tackle critical water shortage
Krabi’s renowned Phi Phi Islands are currently wrestling with a critical freshwater shortage. The local governing body, Ao Nang’s Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO), is considering two primary solutions: establishing a pipeline for water provision from the mainland or resorting to seawater desalination. Over the last few years, the absence of tap water during the tourist high season, coinciding with the…
- Thailand News
Family’s holiday nightmare: Luxury villa turns out to be scam
A family’s excitement for their Hua Hin holiday took a turn as they fell victim to a cunning Facebook scam, leaving them high and dry. Amidst the bustling holiday anticipation, a family, with an individual named Kukkai as their representative, eagerly planned their annual retreat, scouring for a pet-friendly haven to accommodate eight to 10 people. Their quest led the…
- Thailand News
Hua Hin water woes won’t dampen Songkran spirit
To quench concerns over water scarcity threatening the Songkran festival, Hua Hin Municipality is taking swift action to ensure the festivities flow smoothly without parching tourism enthusiasm. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, flanked by municipal bigwigs and key officials, huddled to hash out strategies to navigate the drought as the region gears up for the traditional Thai New Year festivity. Pranburi Dam,…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha pays surprise visit to Bangkok bus terminal
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with a team of top officials, descended upon Mo Chit 2, Bangkok’s bus terminal, to ensure a smooth ride for Songkran travellers. As Thailand gears up for its traditional new year celebrations from April 12 to 15, the pressure is on to ensure the safety and comfort of millions hitting the roads…
- Thailand News
BBC’s campaign to bring Thailand’s Songkran to global audiences (video)
To dazzle global audiences with the splendour of Thailand’s Songkran festival, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for an unprecedented campaign. Scheduled to kick off this April, the campaign aims to thrust Songkran into the limelight, capitalising on its recent nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Fronted by a captivating…
- Thailand News
Thailand soft-power: ASEAN + India shoppers to boost tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled the ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand campaign, enticing tourists to choose their top Thai soft-power element while scoring shopping vouchers. Running from April 29 to June 15, this initiative spearheaded by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool aims to transform Thailand into a regional tourism hotspot while showcasing its cultural prowess. “This initiative…
- Thailand News
Thailand sets target to recycle all plastic waste by 2027
Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is optimistic about recycling all plastic waste by 2027, as part of an initiative to curb the use of plastic. This plan forms part of the ministry’s plastic waste management roadmap from 2018 to 2030. The strategy was devised in response to concerns over the growing use of single-use plastics, according to Thalerngsak…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cybercrime problem persists despite efforts
Thailand’s digital economy and society (DES) minister, Prasert Jantararuangthong, revealed that despite efforts to curb cybercrime, the problem remains rampant with damages averaging 100 million baht daily. The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), set up to address this issue, is yet to see a decline in the number of cases. The ongoing scams are attributed to the scammers’ increasingly sophisticated…
- Thailand News
Move Forward Party’s fate hangs in balance
The Constitutional Court is set to discuss extending the deadline for the Move Forward Party (MFP) to submit its defence in a crucial dissolution case. Sources revealed that President Nakharin Mektrairat announced that the court will convene next Tuesday, April 16, to mull over the pivotal decision of granting a 15-day extension. Nakharin hinted at the likelihood of the court…
- Thailand News
Wedding guest scam ruins dream ceremony in Thailand
A tale of deceit and dashed dreams emerged when a 41 year old British woman conned friends, including a bridesmaid, out of thousands for a Thailand wedding. The scandal unravelled just days before Elaine and Marc Walker’s nuptials, leaving the bride’s mother footing the bill for guests’ flights. In a twist of events, 41 year old Natalie Green was instructed…
- Thailand News
Traveloka and Hong Kong Tourism Board collaborate
Traveloka and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have forged an alliance aimed at showcasing the wonders of Hong Kong to eager travellers from Thailand and beyond. This collaboration, anticipated to skyrocket tourism figures, promises to position Hong Kong as the ultimate hotspot for adventurous souls seeking new experiences. The resurgence of Hong Kong’s tourism sector post-border reopening has been…
