- Bangkok News
AIA ordered to pay up for Bangkok MRT flooding chaos
A botched construction project caused flooding chaos at Bangkok’s Cultural Centre MRT Station, and now AIA is footing the bill. The Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), Kajpajon Udomthammaphakdi, has ordered AIA to compensate for damages following a deluge that submerged part of the MRT station on Friday, September 5. Kajpajon confirmed that AIA has accepted…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for flash floods amid monsoon deluge
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across Thailand, affecting 50 provinces, with Bangkok and its surrounding areas expected to experience rain over 80% of the region. The TMD predicts the potential for flash floods and water accumulation today, September 9. Heavy rain is anticipated in the eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, prompting residents…
- Environment News
Whales and dolphins win protection in Thai seas crackdown
The Cabinet has approved the addition of three marine mammals to Thailand’s list of protected wildlife species, aiming to strengthen efforts to safeguard ocean biodiversity. A draft ministerial regulation, endorsed on Thursday, September 4, designates humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and Risso’s dolphins as protected animals under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019. This means hunting, trading, importing, or exporting…
- Business News
Thailand warned clean energy gap could deter data centre boom
Thailand’s digital dreams could stall as investors warn the nation’s patchy clean energy supply risks scaring off billion-baht data centre projects. Thailand risks losing out on major digital economy investments unless it strengthens its clean energy supply, according to Gunkul Engineering, a leading renewable energy developer. Chief executive Naruechon Dhumrongpiyawut said that data centres, artificial intelligence firms, electric vehicles, and…
- Thailand News
RTAF unveils new US-built AT-6TH attack jets in Chiang Mai
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has inducted new US-made AT-6TH light attack aircraft into service in Chiang Mai to strengthen border patrol and anti-narcotics missions. RTAF commander Panpakdee Pattanakul confirmed the deployment on Thursday, September 4, saying that the new fleet replaces the ageing L-39ZA/ART aircraft. The AT-6TH planes were acquired under an Integrity Pact agreement with Textron Aviation…
- Technology News
AI and satellites join fight against Thailand’s toxic dust
Thailand is turning to artificial intelligence and satellites in a high-tech push to predict and tackle deadly PM2.5 smog before it chokes the nation. The Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), the Pollution Control Department (PCD) and satellite operator Thaicom have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create an AI-driven platform for managing fine dust pollution. The…
- Tourism News
China slowdown drags Thailand tourist arrivals down 7%
Thailand recorded a decline in foreign tourist arrivals and revenue as the tourism ministry reported fewer visitors from key markets, led by China and Malaysia. Thailand welcomed 21.88 million international visitors between January and August, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The figure represents a 7.16% drop compared with the same period last year, with revenue…
- Phuket News
Patong man arrested with methamphetamine in pre-dawn drug raid
A Thai man was arrested in Patong during a pre-dawn raid when district officers discovered methamphetamine, part of an ongoing anti-drug campaign. Officials in Kathu district launched a pre-dawn operation in Patong this week, arresting a Thai man for possession of meth as part of the ongoing No Drugs, No Dealers campaign. The raid, carried out at 1.30am on Tuesday,…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai prepares for opposition role after prime ministerial defeat
Pheu Thai was pushed into opposition after losing the prime ministerial vote, while Anutin Charnvirakul secured victory with majority support in Parliament. Thailand’s Parliament witnessed a decisive vote yesterday, September 5, confirming Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the nation’s 32nd prime minister. He secured 311 votes, well above the 247 needed for a majority, defeating Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tourist beaten after alleged groping sparks street fight
A foreign man was assaulted on Pattaya’s Walking Street after allegedly groping a woman, with the clash captured on video and shared widely online. A 15-second clip of the altercation, posted on Facebook on September 3 by user Achirawit Phonthayan, has already racked up more than 150,000 views and sparked fierce debate online. The footage shows a foreign man being…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok Cultural Centre MRT stays open after flood chaos hits
Flooding hit Bangkok’s Cultural Centre MRT station after heavy rain and nearby construction works, though the line remains open with partial access. Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) has moved to reassure passengers after flooding hit the Cultural Centre MRT station this week. The company confirmed that the downpour, combined with nearby construction, caused water to spill into…
- Phuket News
Phuket eatery raided for using all-Myanmar staff illegally
A Myanmar national was arrested in Phuket after officials raided a restaurant found to be illegally operated and staffed entirely by foreign workers. The venue, named Thu Nge Chin Sine, is located behind Public Market 1 on Bangkok Road in Phuket Town. It was raided following complaints from residents about its operations, according to the Bangkok Post. A team of…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya road safety drive wraps up with helmets and hope
A leading insurer partnered with local officials in Pattaya to wrap up a road safety campaign aimed at reducing accidents and promoting safer driving habits. Sompo Insurance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has officially concluded its road safety initiative Drive Safe, Live Safe: Disciplined Driving, Assured Safety in Pattaya City, delivering a major boost to local traffic safety efforts. The global non-life…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok on flood alert as heavy rains hammer Thailand
Heavy rain is sweeping across Thailand, prompting warnings of flash floods and landslides as severe weather hits multiple regions, including the capital. As heavy rain continues to batter the country today, September 6, weather warnings have been issued for 49 provinces, including Bangkok, with a 70% chance of flash flooding and landslides. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned that severe…
- Cartoons
Doraemon makes Thai TV debut with Ayutthaya adventure
Fans of Japan’s most famous robotic cat will finally see Doraemon and his gang in Thailand on local TV, with MCOT Plc confirming the broadcast of a special episode tomorrow. The long-awaited adventure, titled I Want to Meet That Cat in Thailand, will air at 9am tomorrow, September 6, on Channel 30, marking Doraemon’s official debut on Thai screens. “Tomorrow!…
- Politics News
Anutin clinches top job as 32nd Thai PM after tense vote
Thailand’s House of Representatives has elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the country’s 32nd prime minister. The election followed the Constitutional Court’s ruling that Paetongtarn Shinawatra must step down as prime minister. During today’s session, Parliament debated under Section 159 of the Constitution before moving forward with the nomination process. Candidates required a majority backing from at…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok pushes waste reform with no mixed waste drive
Bangkok officials announced a new waste management campaign, where households will be encouraged to separate rubbish as part of reforms aimed at changing public behaviour and improving citywide sustainability. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to roll out sweeping waste management reforms on October 1, with its No Mixed Waste initiative already attracting more than 239,000 households. The programme…
- Phuket News
Phuket ramps up drug-free drive with workplace testing push
Phuket officials are stepping up their campaign to make workplaces drug-free, with more than 2,500 employees screened, several companies certified, and dozens of staff referred for treatment. At a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam at the Phuket Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office, officials reviewed progress on the province’s drug-free labour initiative this year. The scheme is designed…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya cops arrest duo in call centre mule bank account scam
Police in Pattaya arrested a Thai woman and a Malaysian man after a bank alerted officers to suspicious withdrawals linked to a call centre scam. Pattaya City Police, led by Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo, arrested a Thai woman and a Malaysian man on Wednesday, September 3, for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated call centre scam using mule bank accounts.…
- Bangkok News
Democrats to abstain as Anutin nears prime minister vote
The Democrat Party has confirmed that its MPs will abstain from voting in the upcoming prime ministerial selection, a move likely to strengthen Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul’s chances of clinching the top job. Deputy leader Pramual Pongthavaradet, who also serves as chair of the Democrat MPs and represents Prachuap Khiri Khan, convened the party’s parliamentary members at 9.30am today,…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya clash: Indian tourist bloodied by transgender’s high heel
A late-night confrontation on Pattaya Beach turned violent when an Indian tourist was left bleeding after being struck on the head with a high-heeled shoe during a dispute with a transgender sex worker. The incident occurred around 3am today, September 5, on the busy beachside strip in Chon Buri province. The victim, 25 year old Suresh, an Indian national, later…
- Tourism News
Thailand aims for top 100 green tourism status by 2030
Thailand is stepping up its eco-game with the launch of the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, aiming to position the nation’s destinations among the world’s top 100 sustainable tourism hotspots by 2030. The plan, themed Igniting the Path to Global Green Success, was announced by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The goal is clear:…
- Phuket News
Phuket blood centre issues urgent appeal as type O runs low
The Phuket Red Cross Blood Centre (PRBC) has issued an urgent call for blood donors as supplies of type O blood remain at dangerously low levels. As of 9.30am yesterday, September 4, the National Blood Service in Phuket reported a daily demand of 390 units: 200 units of type O, 100 of type A, 70 of type AB, and 20…
- Politics News
Anutin poised to take top job as PM vote nears
Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to be confirmed as Thailand’s next prime minister today, following a key political shift involving party alliances and a planned vote. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed that the parliamentary vote for the new Prime Minister will be held today, September 5. The move follows the latest twist in Thailand’s turbulent political landscape, which now…
- Bangkok News
Election Commission to reject petition against Pheu Thai Party
The Election Commission (EC) is likely to reject a petition aimed at dissolving the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its five coalition partners, after allegations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra influenced the parties’ operations. The petition, which has been under review by the political registrar of the EC, claims that Thaksin exerted control over these parties, despite no official…
- Phuket News
Scotsman’s Thailand trip cut short after ex cancels passport
A Scottish holidaymaker’s dream trip to Thailand turned into a nightmare when his ex-partner cancelled his passport, leading to his detention at the airport and subsequent deportation back to the UK. William Barr, from Inverkeithing, Fife, was detained by immigration officers as soon as he arrived in Phuket, and ultimately deported back to the UK before his holiday even began. “I…
- Pattaya News
Chon Buri community market boosts local economy and spirit
A vibrant community market was set up in front of the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) meeting hall, in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, offering locals a platform to sell goods such as fresh produce, traditional sweets, and crafts, boosting the local economy and community ties. On Tuesday, September 2, the market attracted a vibrant crowd, with both…
- Business News
Thai Airways anticipates strong fourth quarter with rising demand
Thai Airways (THAI) anticipates a robust fourth quarter, with a load factor exceeding 80%, driven by both international demand and Thai tourists favouring Asian destinations. China and Japan have consistently attracted travellers throughout the year. Kittiphong Sansomboon, THAI Chief Commercial Officer, said that a strong baht and the visa-free programme have increased Thai tourists visiting Asian locations. During peak travel…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya drug trafficker arrested after lengthy police operation
Police in Pattaya have arrested a 33 year old man following a major investigation into drug trafficking and forged licence plates, with the suspect charged for distributing narcotics and using fake documents. A significant bust in Pattaya has led to the arrest of a major drug dealer, 33 year old Chai (pseudonym), who was apprehended by the Highway Police Division…
- Phuket News
Thailand and Malaysia boost cooperation on border security issues
Thailand and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing border security and regional stability at the 117th Thai-Malaysian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, held yesterday at the Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel. The high-level meeting yesterday, September 3, co-chaired by Major General Apinan Chaemchaeng, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, and Maj. Gen. Dato’ Hj Fazal bin Hj Abdul Rahman, Commander…
