Puntid Tantivangphaisal
- Politics News
Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
- Thailand News
Natural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam
A hidden gem in Chon Buri is making waves as locals and tourists flock to the Huay Tu Lower Reservoir for a thrilling, yet safe, water adventure. Nestled in Bang Saray, under the watchful eye of Klet Kaew subdistrict Municipality, this overflow dam has become the hottest spot for families looking to cool off. Thanks to the dam’s natural slope,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short
Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn. As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme,…
- Thailand News
Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
- Thailand News
Shell-shocked: Woman’s turtle rescue paves way for good luck
A woman recently rescued a large turtle found in the middle of the road in Phetchabun, believing it could bring her good luck. The turtle’s shell featured patterns resembling ancient coins and a sage’s head, leading to speculation about its auspicious nature. A TikTok user posted a video showing her helping the sizable turtle that was slowly crossing the street,…
- Thailand News
Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
- Thailand News
Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
- Phuket News
Phuket employer charged for illegal hire of Sri Lankan worker
Phuket Immigration officers charged the employer of a Sri Lankan man for illegal employment at a construction site in Wichit. The Sri Lankan national, identified by police as K. Piyaralala, was apprehended while working on a house extension project at Ao Kham Beach in Wichit on Wednesday, October 9. Piyaralala faces charges for being an alien working without permission, a…
- Thailand News
Prison food beef: Corrections dept serves defence to influencer gripe
The Department of Corrections responded to allegations made by social media influencer Nara Crepekathoei regarding the quality of prison food, asserting that it meets nutritional standards and undergoes daily quality inspections. Nara had criticised the food, describing it as bland and unpalatable, prompting the department to clarify its food preparation practices. Reports from the Bangkok Remand Prison indicate that the…
- Thailand News
Toying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate
Police have dismantled a gang involving nine Thai and foreign nationals who were illegally selling sex toys, seizing a substantial amount of contraband. The operation revealed a well-organised syndicate with millions in circulation. On October 10, Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, ordered Police Colonel Korkiat Wutjamnong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaphat Nampadit to…
- Thailand News
Big bike forced off road by car on Bangkok highway (video)
A dramatic incident occurred on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok when a big bike was forced off the road by a car and ended up in the median strip’s bushes. The shocking footage was captured and posted on TikTok by user @noeyjirawadee. The incident, which happened yesterday, October 10, shows the motorbike rider travelling in the middle lane behind a…
- Thailand News
Whistleblowers to receive rewards in iCon Group fraud case
Whistleblowers and officials are set to receive rewards for their role in the arrest of suspects involved in a major fraud case, where victims accused a prominent company, The iCon Group, of deceptive loan practices, leading to approximately 35 million baht in damages. Around 90 individuals have come forward to file complaints against The iCon Group and its associates, alleging…
- Politics News
Bhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill
The Bhumjaithai Party refrained from participating in a House vote rejecting the Senate’s decision to maintain the double-majority clause in the constitutional referendum bill, according to party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The House of Representatives voted 348 to zero yesterday, October 10, to reject the Senate’s amendments to the referendum bill, with 65 abstentions. The original House-endorsed bill proposed a change…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya punch: Man arrested after leaving four on the ropes
A 34 year old Thai man has been arrested in connection with a violent attack that injured four people in Pattaya last month. Nong Prue police detained the perpetrator at his residence on Soi Mab Song yesterday, October 10, following a warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court for assault charges. The incident occurred in the early hours of September…
- Thailand News
Thailand proposes informal talks on Myanmar crisis in December
Thailand proposed hosting informal consultations in December to address the crisis in Myanmar, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankur revealed the offer during an online press conference coinciding with the first day of the ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Vientiane. “Our proposal is backed by Laos [the current ASEAN chair] and Malaysia [the incoming…
- Thailand News
Thailand and South Korea to boost cooperation in soft power
Thailand and South Korea have committed to enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including soft power development, electric vehicles (EVs), and labour issues. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol yesterday, October 10, during the ASEAN summit in Vientiane. The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in trade, investment, electric vehicles, national defence, and cultural exchanges. PM Paetongtarn emphasised…
- Thailand News
Move over ChatGPT, Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai
In a bold move to challenge OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is rolling out its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Meta AI, to 21 new markets, including Thailand. With Thai language support now on the table, Meta is upping the stakes in the race for AI chatbot supremacy. Big tech companies have been fiercely competing to attract…
- Thailand News
US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand
In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…
- Phuket News
Dam full: Phuket’s reservoirs overflow as Bang Niew hits 103%
Phuket’s reservoirs are bursting at the seams, with Bang Niew Dam in Srisoonthorn now at a staggering 103% capacity. The island is bracing for more rain and potential flash floods through to Saturday, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of continued downpours. Bang Niew Dam currently holds a whopping 7.39 million cubic metres of water, surpassing its official capacity…
- Thailand News
Pattani: Border patrol officer killed in dual insurgent attacks
Tensions erupted late last night when insurgents launched coordinated attacks on two security outposts in a southern border province, resulting in the tragic death of a border patrol officer. The assailants, armed with military-grade weapons, carried out the strikes within minutes of each other, leaving authorities scrambling to respond. The first attack occurred at around 11.45pm, yesterday, October 9, when…
- Thailand News
Thai woman logged for selling phantom furniture online
Thai police arrested a 31 year old Thai woman for allegedly defrauding customers through a Facebook page by selling non-existent wooden furniture. She was taken into custody near Wat Tha Kwian in Nonthaburi. The investigation revealed that on June 23, 2022, a victim reported to Mae Chan Police Station that they had been deceived. On June 10 of the same…
- Thailand News
Don’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards
Thailand should embrace trade opportunities with China rather than follow Indonesia’s lead in banning the Chinese e-commerce platform TEMU, say experts. In light of Indonesia’s recent decision to prohibit the TEMU application, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) voiced its opposition to a similar move by Thailand. Wimol Pankong, Deputy Director (Academic) of ITD, urged the Thai government…
- Thailand News
Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown
Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…
- Phuket News
Foreigner’s body found near Patong Beach, police investigate
Police are scrambling to identify the body of a foreign man found floating in the water south of Patong Beach early this morning. Officers were alerted to the scene, located in front of a hotel on Muen Ngern Road, at 9.10am, today, October 10, after a guest spotted the body and raised the alarm. A team from the police force,…
- Thailand News
Thai king’s birthday sparks 10 royal projects to transform Bangkok
To celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday, the Thai government has launched 10 ambitious royal projects under the theme Forest, Water, People. These initiatives align with His Majesty’s vision to blend environmental conservation with improving the quality of life for Thai citizens. Among the standout projects is the Elevate Pocket Park initiative, a partnership between the government and…
- World News
Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster. Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly…
- Thailand News
Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid
Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…
- Thailand News
Tidal wave of trouble: Phitsanulok fields flooded as waters overflow
Floodwaters are inundating the Bang Rakam model fields in Phitsanulok province, receiving overflow from Sukhothai and reaching 571 million cubic metres, or 143% of capacity. The water expands, flooding nearby areas and roads, particularly in Phrom Phiram, Mueang, and Bang Rakam districts. Since late September, 304 villages across 50 subdistricts in nine districts of Phitsanulok have been affected by floodwaters…
- Thailand News
Thai cyber police arrest gold scammer in 85 million baht fraud
Cyber police arrested a 31 year old Thai man for allegedly conducting livestreamed scams involving the sale of gold at significantly reduced prices, resulting in over 500 victims and damages exceeding 85 million baht. Police executed a search warrant on a residence in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, following an investigation. Phromthada, also known as Mae Bainaad, director of Thada…
- Phuket News
Phuket launches 50-baht electric bus service from town to Patong
Phuket Smart Bus (PKSB) yesterday launched a new electric bus service connecting Phuket Town and Patong. The service is priced at just 50 baht per passenger. The launch yesterday, October 9, saw Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiating, alongside Atcha Buachan, Chief of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO). Also in attendance were Waithat Upatising, Executive Director of Phuket City Development…