- Thailand News
Controversial sea bridge to Koh Samui stirs debate
The hotly-debated sea bridge connecting the Thai mainland to the paradise island of Koh Samui is one step closer to reality. The second phase of public hearings for this ambitious project kicked off in Surat Thani province yesterday, July 15, setting the stage for a project that promises to revolutionise travel to one of Thailand’s most beloved holiday spots. Set…
- Thailand News
New canal bridge in Ayutthaya opens to boost local travel
The new bridge over Bang Luang Canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has officially opened, enhancing travel for residents between the two sides of the canal to important locations. This significant development aims to improve both economic and social aspects for the local communities. Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads Aphirat Chaiyavongnoi announced the completion of the Bang Luang…
- Thailand News
Five charged in Thai Rice Department extortion case
Police have completed their investigation and forwarded the case to prosecutors involving five individuals accused of extorting 1.5 million baht from the Director-General of Thailand’s Rice Department. These individuals face multiple charges related to corruption and abuse of power. Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Police Colonel Anek Taosupap, announced that the investigation team has concluded their work on…
- Thailand News
Phuket resident wins 60 million baht in BAAC lottery
A resident of Phuket scooped 60 million baht from the BAAC lottery for July. This marks the ninth time this year that a lucky winner has claimed the top prize from the Thong Thong lottery series. The news was reported today, with BAAC Thailand’s Facebook page sharing images of the new millionaire. The grand prize winner, a customer from the…
- Thailand News
Fertiliser fiasco: Thailand halts farmers’ subsidy scheme
Trouble is brewing for Thailand’s farmers as the much-anticipated fertiliser subsidy faces suspension until next year, according to Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow. Thamanat announced plans to discuss the troubled fertiliser subsidy policy with economic ministers, following revelations that the scheme could be on hold until 2024. Initially, the government had approved subsidies of 500 baht per rai, capped at 10,000…
- Thailand News
Power play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner
Emerging from a high-profile dinner meeting at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confidently asserted that the coalition now commands the unwavering support of over 314 MPs. The informal dinner, attended by core leaders of the 11 coalition parties, underscored the unity among the partners. The 62 year old Thai premier highlighted the solidarity within…
- Thailand News
Ancient artefacts found in Phrae to boost tourism
The ancient city of Wiang Chiang Chuen in Phrae, northern Thailand, has unveiled numerous historical artefacts, including polished stone axes and objects over 2,000 years old. The Fine Arts Department plans to develop it into a new historical tourist attraction. During a survey today, Warawut Euapinyakul, MP for Phrae’s 3rd district from the Pheu Thai Party, and Director-General of the…
- Thailand News
Food fight: Chatuchak market prices stir up a spicy online debate
A shocking revelation about the cost of food at Chatuchak market sparked a fierce online discussion. A Facebook user posted in the group พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค (We Are Consumers), which has 780,000 members, sharing their shock at being charged 820 baht for three dishes. Visiting the market only once a year, the user admitted to lacking local knowledge. They recounted their experience,…
- Thailand News
Thailand approves genome editing to boost agricultural yields
Thailand officially sanctioned Genome Editing (GEd) technology for advanced plant breeding, aiming to boost yields while reducing chemical use in agriculture, according to the Department of Agriculture (DoA). DoA Chief Rapeepat Chansriwong announced the approval of the GEd technique under a ministerial regulation. This decision was endorsed by the agriculture minister and subsequently published in the Royal Gazette. Typically, new…
- Thailand News
Thai Education Ministry advances tablet initiative despite budget cut
Thailand’s Education Ministry continues to advance its tablet distribution initiative, despite a budget reduction from 16 billion to 13 billion baht. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the Education Minister, confirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project yesterday. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob is spearheading the One District, One Quality School project. This initiative aims to consolidate educational resources, both…
- Thailand News
Fishing boat nets 4 tonnes of shrimp off Phang Nga coast
A fishing boat’s single catch netted an astonishing 4 tonnes of shrimp, worth nearly 1 million baht, off the coast of Phang Nga. The catch highlights the rich marine life in the area, following a recent conservation period. Officers from the Krabi Provincial Fisheries Office inspected the commercial fishing vessel, S. Phet Samut 11, upon its return to the Sai…
- Thailand News
Man seeks lottery numbers from tarantula burrow in Phetchabun
A man travelled from Korat to Phetchabun to perform a ritual seeking lottery numbers from a tarantula’s burrow, a practice based on ancient beliefs. His efforts were rewarded with a three-digit number that he hopes will bring him luck. A man from Korat, along with locals and lottery enthusiasts, gathered at a farm owned by 63 year old Bua Charoentha…
- Thailand News
Former UVF terrorist engaged to Thai bride 50 years his junior
An infamous Irish terrorist revealed his engagement to a Thai bride half a century younger. Gormy McMullan, a prime suspect in the Loughinisland massacre, announced his upcoming nuptials to Thai national Bannapon Nuch Jathasan on social media, igniting a storm of reactions. “I have decided she is my main one now.” The 71 year old murder suspect proudly declared in…
- Thailand News
Lottery frenzy hits Chai Nat market ahead of July 16 draw
Hopeful lottery enthusiasts flocked to buy tickets for today’s draw at Pasi Sung Market in Chai Nat. The atmosphere at Pasi Sung Market was abuzz yesterday with eager lottery buyers looking for their favourite numbers for the government lottery draw today, July 16. With people hoping to become the next millionaire, many were out early, scouring the stalls for their…
- Thailand News
Bangkok to speed up removal of illegal canal structures
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) pledged to accelerate the removal of illegal structures built over the city’s extensive network of canals. Bangkok hosts over 1,980 canals and other waterways, with 233 under the Department of Drainage’s jurisdiction, while local district offices under the BMA manage the remainder. A 2021 survey by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage identified approximately 11,035 illegal…
- Thailand News
Mobile SIM card dispute leads to fatal shooting in Uthai Thani
A heated argument over a mobile phone SIM card ended tragically when a man shot his uncle dead at the front door of their home. The gunman, a former village assistant headman, had resigned after testing positive for drugs. Wasawat Siphipob, an investigator at Sawang Arom Police Station in Uthai Thani province, received a report yesterday, July 15, at around…
- Thailand News
State officials implicated in bid-rigging scheme for rubber latex firms
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) uncovered the involvement of state officials in bid-rigging for rubber latex companies in 10 provinces, leading to significant financial losses for the country. The investigation has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action. Last year, a group of rubber latex traders submitted a letter to the prime minister, requesting an…
- Thailand News
Thai couple arrested for illegal wildlife trade in Surin province
Police arrested a Thai couple involved in the illegal wildlife trade, confiscating two tiger cubs, two pairs of Thai elephant tusks, and 26 pieces of African elephant tusks worth millions of baht. Efforts are underway to rescue an additional four tiger cubs. The operation, led by Director of the National Parks Office Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn and officers from Dom Police Station…
- Thailand News
Udon Thani hotel calls for delay in electricity rate hike
A prominent hotel in Udon Thani urged the government to delay the planned electricity rate hike, citing concerns about the current purchasing power of consumers. They argue that customers are only spending on necessities, and an increase in electricity costs could further impact the number of patrons using their services. Apicha Veerachatiyanukul, the managing director of Udon Plaza Co., Ltd.,…
- Thailand News
Students report being misled into bizarre camp in Thailand
Several students from a renowned university in northeastern Thailand have reported being misled by senior students into attending a peculiar camp that deviated from Buddhist teachings. The camp involved strange rituals, including chanting hundreds of times and creating heavenly passports. Students from a well-known university in northeastern Thailand raised concerns about a camp they were taken to by senior students,…
- Thailand News
Thailand govt debunks reports of deserted tourist spots
Reports of tourist spots Cha-am Beach and Amphawa Floating Market being deserted have been debunked by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Contrary to a viral video showing a quiet Cha-am Beach in Phetchaburi on a Sunday and social media claims about a lack of visitors at Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram, tourists continue to frequent both destinations. A video depicting an…
- Thailand News
Motorbike taxi speeds along Patong Beach, alarming tourists (video)
A motorbike taxi was seen speeding along Patong Beach in Phuket, causing confusion among the many tourists relaxing on the shore. Lifeguards attempted to intervene but were unable to catch the rider. A video showing a motorbike taxi riding on Patong Beach in Kathu district, Phuket, was shared by Monsoongarbage Thailand and Newshawk Phuket, causing a stir on social media.…
- Thailand News
North Thailand: Police seize 66,000 smuggled e-cigarettes
Police seized 66,000 smuggled e-cigarettes valued at over 15 million baht from a warehouse in Mueang, Uttaradit, northern Thailand. The Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and other relevant agencies announced the successful operation during a press conference yesterday. CPPD officers had been investigating illegal online e-cigarette sellers who targeted juveniles by disguising the products as cartoon characters. These toy-like…
- Thailand News
Thai teenage boy fatally electrocuted at Chai Nat boat race
A teenage boy was electrocuted and fell, hitting his head near the stage at a local annual boat race in Chai Nat province. Despite efforts to save him, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Police from Mueang Chai Nat Station received a report at 8pm yesterday about a boy who had been electrocuted and suffered severe head…
- Thailand News
Cypriot man arrested for stalking and burglary in Nakhon Pathom
Immigration officers from the Immigration Bureau 1 apprehended a 36 year old Cypriot man for allegedly stalking and breaking into his ex-girlfriend‘s condominium in Nakhon Pathom province. The suspect, identified as Nicholas, was detained at a hotel in the Rachathewi district in Bangkok yesterday. An arrest warrant for Nicholas had been issued by the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court for burglary…
- Thailand News
Senior judge accused of molestation on sleeper train to Chiang Mai
A female court stenographer has lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), alleging that a senior judge molested her while they were travelling on a sleeper train to Chiang Mai for a personnel development activity. Investigators, led by Police Colonel Ekkasit Panseetha, began their inquiry into the case on Wednesday, July 10, after the stenographer filed her lawsuit.…
- Thailand News
Weather warning for heavy monsoon rains in 47 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for heavy monsoon rains expected to affect 47 provinces, including Bangkok, with a 70% chance of heavy rainfall. Flash floods and forest runoff are also anticipated. The 24-hour forecast predicts moderate southwesterly monsoons covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam.…
- Thailand News
Thai woman wins 9 million baht from UK bet
A 40 year old Thai woman living in the UK transformed her life by winning a substantial £200,000 (approximately 9 million baht) from a £1 bet on the Nifty Fifty game through Betfred. This windfall has allowed her to leave her demanding 14-hour workdays behind and plan a return to Thailand to live her dream life. Araya Curry, who previously…
- Thailand News
Thai monk’s mention of 730 kip per baht stirs lottery excitement
A renowned Thai monk caused a stir among his followers by unexpectedly mentioning a three-digit number, though he wasn’t discussing the lottery. Phra Ratchawat Wajratam Sopon, better known as Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, the abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin in Khon Kaen province, has become a widely talked-about figure. In recent lottery draws, numbers associated with Luang Pu…
- Thailand News
News outlet responds to fake journalist causing chaos at hospital
A widely followed Facebook page, AggressiveDoctor, recently exposed an individual pretending to be a journalist from a reputable news outlet, causing a disturbance at a hospital while emergency personnel were aiding an accident victim. This incident has prompted an official response from the news outlet itself. A Facebook user named Frong Khao Sod Nakhon Phanom reportedly clashed with hospital emergency…
