- Bangkok News
Gem of a deal: Bangkok fair set to sparkle with 3.5 billion baht in trade
Organisers of the 71st Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair expect the event to generate over 3.5 billion baht in trade. Scheduled for February 22 to 26 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), the fair is hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, with support from various public and…
- Pattaya News
Drunken tourists attack Bolt driver in Pattaya over ‘silent treatment’
A ride-hailing driver in Pattaya was left bruised and battered after a group of drunken tourists attacked him for refusing to engage in conversation. The shocking incident took place around 3am on Wednesday, January 29 in Soi Buakhao, South Pattaya, when 29 year old Suradet Khawlamai picked up five passengers from the Marina Pattaya South area. The group included two…
- Phuket News
Phuket booze ban begins as election showdown heats up
Thailand’s nationwide alcohol ban kicks in at 6pm today, leaving Phuket tourists dry for 24 hours as the country gears up for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections tomorrow, February 1. Under Thai election law, the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited during voting periods. Those caught flouting the rule face harsh penalties, including fines of up to 10,000 baht,…
- Phuket News
Uzbek man nabbed at Phuket Airport for overstaying visa
A 21 year old Uzbek national found himself in hot water after being arrested at Phuket International Airport for overstaying his visa by six days. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, January 29 at around 10.30am, as immigration officers and local police swooped in on the suspect at the international passenger terminal. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Akkaraphon Kaewkiattiyot of the Suppression…
- Thailand News
Thai seafood exports to US unaffected by fishing gear concerns
The Department of Fisheries aims to reassure the public that recent changes to Section 66 of a Fisheries Executive Decree will not impact seafood exports to the United States. There are concerns that the US might ban Thai seafood caught using fishing gear harmful to certain marine mammals. Bancha Sookkaew, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, responded to a…
- Pattaya News
Investors to pump 40 billion baht into Pattaya’s tourism sector
Investors are set to inject 40 billion baht into Pattaya, focusing on new hotels and attractions to enhance tourism. On Wednesday, January 29, Wallaya Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation (AWC) announced the opening of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, a 234-room property with an investment exceeding 2 billion baht. This hotel targets workcation travellers, digital nomads, meetings, incentives, conferences…
- Thailand News
Thai lawyer Sittra charged in 111m baht fraud case
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has charged prominent lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, known as Lawyer Tam, and six others in a fraud case involving Jatuporn Ubonlert, also known as Madame Oy. The court ordered them to repay 111 million baht. This sum includes 72 million baht from a fraudulent online lottery investment scheme and 39 million baht from scams related…
- Thailand News
Thailand to modernise railway with 184 new diesel railcars by 2030
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to replace its ageing fleet by procuring 184 air-conditioned diesel railcars, along with spare parts, at a cost of 24.1 billion baht. These new railcars aim to modernise the current fleet, which has been in service for three decades. SRT chief Veeris Ammarapala stated that the new railcars will replace 10 existing long-distance…
- Thailand News
Elite vs DTV: Is Thailand’s ‘privilege’ visa losing its edge?
Thailand’s Elite visa programme is facing growing competition from cheaper long-term visa alternatives, with the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) emerging as a serious contender. Manatase Annawat, President of Thai Privilege Card (TPC), admitted that rival visa schemes are cutting into their market, particularly DTV, which costs a fraction of the Elite price but lacks its luxury perks. Manatase recently suggested…
- Thailand News
Rare tiger family caught on camera in Kaeng Krachan park (video)
For the first time, a tigress and her three cubs have been recorded roaming Kaeng Krachan National Park, confirming that Thailand’s largest wild cats are successfully breeding in the protected forest. The footage, captured by camera traps deep in the jungle, shows the tigress, identified as KKT-003F, leading her three cubs through the wilderness. Officials estimate the cubs are now…
- Thailand News
Rabies panic: Khon Kaen officials say cooked beef is safe
Health officials in Sam Sung district, Khon Kaen moved to calm public fears after reports of rabies-infected beef sparked concerns about food safety. While a cow infected with rabies was slaughtered and consumed earlier this month, officials have clarified that properly cooked beef remains safe to eat. The outbreak began on January 23, when a dog infected with rabies entered…
- Thailand News
Booze and bloodshed: Kamnan Nok gets life over police murder
A Thai ex-official known for his lavish lifestyle and political connections has been sentenced to life in prison for ordering the cold-blooded murder of a police officer at a boozy dinner party. The Criminal Court handed down the sentence to 37 year old Praween Chankhlai, alias Kamnan Nok, after finding him guilty of ordering the execution of Police Major Sivakorn…
- Pattaya News
Motorbikes flout Pattaya’s one-way rule, locals demand action
Traffic in Pattaya’s bustling Buakhao area is turning into a dangerous free-for-all, as motorbikes continue to ignore one-way restrictions on Soi Honey and Soi Diana, raising serious safety concerns among residents and business owners. Despite clear one-way street designations, riders are brazenly driving against the flow of traffic, creating chaos and near-miss collisions in the heart of Pattaya’s nightlife district.…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tragedy: Tourist killed, wife critical after speeding bike crash
A romantic evening turned into a nightmare for a Russian couple in Pattaya when a speeding motorcycle ploughed into them as they crossed the street hand in hand. The foreign rider struck them at high speed, killing the husband instantly and leaving his wife in critical condition. The accident happened just before midnight yesterday, January 29 on Jomtien Second Road,…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s booming job market: Officials report 99% employment rate
Phuket’s job market is thriving, with 99.15% of registered residents employed, according to the latest report from the Phuket Subcommittee on Labour Development and Provincial Vocational Training Coordination (SVTC). The figures were unveiled during a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri at the Phuket Skill Development Institute 21 yesterday, January 29, where officials reviewed the province’s labour situation and…
- Thailand News
Illegal work hub: 17 foreigners arrested in island raids
Police in Surat Thani have swooped on illegal foreign workers across three of Thailand’s most popular tourist islands, arresting 17 foreign nationals and one Thai citizen in a sweeping immigration raid this week. Led by Surat Thani immigration officers, police, and local officials, the raids targeted Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao, following reports of foreigners running unregistered…
- Phuket News
Body of Thai crewman found floating near Phuket
Police yesterday launched an investigation after the body of a 31 year old Thai crewman was discovered floating near Ao Por, Pa Khlok. The man, identified as Thanyawit Thahanthai, was last seen the night before, staying overnight on the tour boat where he worked—but by morning, he had vanished. Locals spotted the body offshore around midday, yesterday, January 29, and quickly…
- Bangkok News
Thailand’s ‘one ticket’ travel plan moves forward
Thailand is one step closer to a game-changing transport upgrade, with the House of Representatives approving the Pheu Thai Party’s draft bill for an integrated ticketing system. The move, passed with 226 votes in favour and 142 against, promises a seamless travel experience for commuters across urban trains and buses. But not everyone is on board. The House ditched a competing proposal from the People’s Party, opting instead…
- Phuket News
Phuket schoolgirls honoured for heroic life-saving rescue
Two high school students from Cherng Talay Wittayakhom School have been hailed local heroines after their quick-thinking actions saved a man’s life earlier this month. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat personally recognised Benchawan Kanphai aka Rinda and Siriporn Ditsawan, both Grade 12 students, in a special ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, January 29, awarding them certificates of appreciation for their courage…
- Thailand News
Thailand cracks down on fake visa holders: Pakistanis face blacklist
Thai police are tightening the screws on travellers using fake documents, with Pakistanis now facing blacklisting if caught. According to ARY News, the Thai Consulate in Karachi has introduced stricter visa guidelines, ensuring that all applicants submit original, verifiable documents, including genuine airline tickets and hotel bookings. A consulate official confirmed, “Anyone caught submitting forged documents, including travel agents, will face strict action, including blacklisting.” The move aims to curb…
- Thailand News
Lottery luck: Number 703 sparks lottery frenzy in Phayao
Residents of Ban San Pa Nat in Dok Kham Tai district, Phayao province participated in the annual ritual to honour the spirit of Chao Pho Ong Dam today. They gathered to perform traditional rites and offered various items including flowers, incense, and food. This cultural event, held on the 13th day of the waning moon in the fourth month, is…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s parking crackdown: Park illegally and pay the price
Pattaya drivers, take note! Starting Monday, February 3, the city is rolling out tough new parking rules to tackle traffic chaos and keep the roads safer. If you’re used to leaving your car wherever you fancy, think again—because parking fines and towing fees are about to hit hard. The crackdown applies to South Pattaya Road, where vehicles will be banned from parking on…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police book illegal Russian guide – but not for a tour
Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested a Russian woman at Khao Chi Chan for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide. The arrest took place on Tuesday, January 28, at the parking area of the Khao Chi Chan Buddha engraving site. Police had observed the woman leading a group of foreign tourists, speaking in a foreign language, without the presence of…
- Thailand News
New Thai team to tackle Deep South conflict amid growing violence
A new government team dedicated to peace negotiations will be formed to address the ongoing conflict in the Deep South, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham stated that the leader of the new team has yet to be decided. The choice could involve reappointing the previous team or opting for a new one, contingent on a comprehensive…
- Bangkok News
Thai cops shut down illegal steroid lab in Bangkok
Thai police have smashed a massive underground steroid operation, seizing 1.9 million unregistered Dexamethasone tablets in a dramatic raid in Bangkok on January 24. The joint crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)exposed a dangerous black market scheme, where the powerful steroid was being illegally produced and mixed into health products, from herbal remedies and drinks to cosmetics. Dexamethasone, a controlled substance…
- Thailand News
Government handout sparks vote-buying concerns before elections
The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, scheduled just days before provincial elections, is likely to be perceived as vote-buying by some, according to People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul. Residents in 47 provinces are set to vote on Saturday for Provincial Administrative Organisation presidents and members. On Monday, the government distributed 10,000-baht handouts to the bank accounts of…
- Pattaya News
Adorable alert: Khao Kheow Zoo welcomes baby zebra
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a new star attraction—a cute and cuddly zebra foal that’s already stealing hearts. On Sunday, January 26, Zoo Director Narongwit Chotchoy proudly announced the birth of a female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year. The little striped beauty, whose name is yet to be revealed, was born to a six year old mother and an eight year old father and is reported…
- Thailand News
Opposition mounts against potash mining in Thailand
Opponents of potash mining in Nakhon Ratchasima are urging the energy group Bangchak Plc to adhere to good governance practices. Bangchak, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is the majority owner of the mining company with the concession rights. Representatives from the Dan Khun Thot Conservation Group convened at the Ministry of Industry yesterday, urging the Department of Primary…
- Phuket News
Reckless pickup vs 18-wheeler in Phuket near-disaster
A reckless pickup driver narrowly avoided disaster after trying to cut in front of an 18-wheeler hauling a crane, causing a low-speed but dangerous collision near Cherng Talay Police Station. Cherng Talay Police released CCTV footage of the shocking incident, which took place on Monday, January 27. The video shows the workman’s pickup truck attempting a risky manoeuvre, only to be swept up by the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s aviation recovery nears pre-Covid levels: CAAT
Thailand’s aviation sector is anticipated to experience a robust recovery this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to at least 25 million, aligning with figures from 2019. Initially, full recovery expectations were set for last year; however, the slow return of Chinese…
