Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.
  • Thailand NewsThailand and Myanmar discuss Mae Sai River illegal structures

    Thailand and Myanmar discuss Mae Sai River illegal structures

    Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with Myanmar regarding illegal structures along the Mae Sai River, aiming to address the flood crisis in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced. Severe flooding has inundated the district, leaving a thick layer of mud as waters receded, prompting these high-level talks. Phumtham, who also serves as…

  • Thailand NewsThailand boosts economy with overseas workers

    Thailand boosts economy with overseas workers

    Thailand has seen a significant boost in its economy, with over 55,000 workers sent abroad during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in more than 270 billion baht added to their families’ incomes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited 364 Thai workers yesterday, October 11, who were undergoing pre-departure training before heading to Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Among these workers, 321 are…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket to hold ceremonies for mudslide victims next week

    Phuket to hold ceremonies for mudslide victims next week

    Phuket will collaborate with local agencies to host ritual ceremonies next week, aiming to build morale and honour those who perished in the recent mudslide tragedy. Sophon Thongsai, director of the Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that the event is set to commemorate the victims of the catastrophic mudslide that struck on August 23 at 5am in…

  • Thailand NewsRTAF pledges no protection for officers involved in bribery scandal

    RTAF pledges no protection for officers involved in bribery scandal

    The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has declared it will not shield any logistics officers implicated in bribery tied to the procurement of asphalt concrete pavers during 2019 to 2020. RTAF spokesperson Prapas Sornchaidee announced that a probe into the procurements commenced following an order by RTAF chief Panpakdee Pattanakul. This statement follows the release of a document by the…

  • Tourism NewsBanyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards

    Banyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards

    In a dazzling display of luxury, Banyan Tree Samui in southern Thailand is basking in the glow of three major international awards—all in just one week. This exclusive beachfront resort has proven it’s not just a tropical paradise, but a world-class destination that knows how to make waves in the luxury travel industry. First up, the prestigious Michelin Guide, which…

  • Tourism NewsKo Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards

    Ko Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards

    Ko Samui had to settle for third behind Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Bali in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ Most Beautiful Island in Asia. In a survey by Condé Nast Traveller, Phu Quoc trailed behind Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, with Thailand’s Koh Samui claiming third place. Phuket, famous for its white-sand beaches, took sixth. Malaysia’s Penang, known as the Pearl of…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket marine police seize illegal jet skis, arrest two operators

    Phuket marine police seize illegal jet skis, arrest two operators

    Marine Police in Phuket seized four illegal jet skis and apprehended two operators who were preparing to offer services to tourists without the necessary licences. The arrests were made yesterday, October 10, during routine patrols at a pier in Koh Kaew, as part of an ongoing initiative to clamp down on unlawful activities in the area. The operation was spearheaded by…

  • Thailand NewsVeggie tales: Phuket festival wraps up with street processions

    Veggie tales: Phuket festival wraps up with street processions

    The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is winding down, with the Lor Rong Shrine, also known as Sui Boon Tong Shrine, staging its street procession through Phuket Town today. This event, known as Iu Keng, showcased numerous spirit mediums and attracted large crowds of locals as well as Thai and foreign tourists. Locals along the procession route set up altars and…

  • Politics NewsTrudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law

    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 NewsNatural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam

    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 NewsThailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short

    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 NewsBets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases

    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 NewsShell-shocked: Woman’s turtle rescue paves way for good luck

    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 NewsVisa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries

    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 NewsStork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand

    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 NewsPhuket employer charged for illegal hire of Sri Lankan worker

    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 NewsPrison food beef: Corrections dept serves defence to influencer gripe

    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 NewsToying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate

    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 NewsBig bike forced off road by car on Bangkok highway (video)

    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 NewsWhistleblowers to receive rewards in iCon Group fraud case

    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 NewsBhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill

    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 NewsPattaya punch: Man arrested after leaving four on the ropes

    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 NewsThailand proposes informal talks on Myanmar crisis in December

    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 NewsThailand and South Korea to boost cooperation in soft power

    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 NewsMove over ChatGPT, Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai

    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 NewsUS ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand

    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 NewsDam full: Phuket’s reservoirs overflow as Bang Niew hits 103%

    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 NewsPattani: Border patrol officer killed in dual insurgent attacks

    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 NewsThai woman logged for selling phantom furniture online

    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 NewsDon’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards

    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…