- Thailand News
Phuket ushers in new year with traditional almsgiving ceremony
Phuket officials marked the new year with a traditional almsgiving ceremony, drawing prominent figures and residents from across the province. The event took place yesterday morning outside the Government Savings Bank on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town, setting the tone for a year filled with aspirations for unity and prosperity. The ceremony began at 6am, featuring offerings of food…
- Thailand News
Disturbed man allegedly butchers dog for sale in Udon Thani
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday in Udon Thani’s Ban Dung district when a disturbed individual allegedly killed a dog and displayed its butchered remains for sale. The dog, believed to have fled in panic due to new year fireworks, fell victim to the man’s disturbed behaviour. Upon receiving reports from concerned residents, Werapol, the administrator of the Bandung Update Facebook page,…
- Phuket News
Phuket horror: Tourist bludgeoned by rider over route dispute (video)
A Norwegian tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare when he was viciously attacked by a ride-hailing driver in Phuket. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 30, left the tourist battered and bruised, sparking a heated debate about passenger safety. A Thai woman, 44 year old Thanatphon Khongcharoen, accompanied her friend, 57 year old…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok gridlock: Holidaymakers return with dried goods
The roads leading back to Bangkok have become increasingly crowded as northeastern Thai residents return after celebrating new year festivities with their families in the provinces. Traffic reporters noted heavy congestion throughout the day on the Friendship Highway, which saw a steady stream of cars heading towards the capital. Although some sections of the road experienced smoother traffic flow, minor…
- Thailand News
Kamphaeng Phet villagers seek lucky numbers from revered spirit
Villagers gathered at the shrine of the revered spirit, Jao Mae Takhian Nong Haew, in the hopes of obtaining lucky numbers for the new year. The ceremony took place yesterday, New Year’s Day, in the Wang Sai subdistrict, Khlong Khlung district, Kamphaeng Phet province. Participants brought offerings of savoury and sweet foods, fruits, and traditional items to honour the spirit,…
- Pattaya News
Thai woman’s Chinese boyfriend assaulted by Pattaya guards
A Thai woman has come forward with allegations regarding an incident involving her boyfriend at a nightclub on Pattaya’s Walking Street. In the early hours of December 31, she reported that her Chinese boyfriend was allegedly assaulted by security guards at the venue. The incident reportedly took place on December 27. The woman, 27 year old Bee, provided media outlets…
- Thailand News
Road danger: Thailand’s new year accidents claim 215 lives
Over the new year holiday in Thailand, traffic accidents resulted in the tragic loss of 215 lives and injured 1,354 people. This data, covering the period from December 27 to 31, highlights the dangers of road travel during festive seasons. Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, reported that these casualties stemmed from 1,398 accidents over the five days. Both Bangkok…
- Thailand News
New beginnings: Millions in Thailand join new year prayers
More than 12 million people across Thailand engaged in new year transition prayers, as reported by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The ceremonies, marking the start of 2025, were organised by 24,835 establishments nationwide, under the initiative of the Religious Affairs Department. A significant turnout was seen online and in person, with over 10,000 individuals gathering at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.…
- Thailand News
Police pickup truck crashes into lamppost in Cha-Am
A police pickup truck crashed into a lamppost, snapping it in two, resulting in injuries to a police lieutenant colonel and two passengers. The incident occurred on a roadside in Cha-Am province, prompting police to investigate the cause. Thawatchai Khun-aem, an investigator from Cha-Am Police Station in Phetchaburi province, received a report yesterday, December 27 at approximately 4.30pm of a…
- Thailand News
New damselfly species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary
Researchers from Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) and Duy Tan University in Vietnam have made a significant discovery, identifying a new species of damselfly named Prodasineura sangkhla in the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The announcement was made at a press conference led by Veera Khunchaicharak, DNP deputy director-general. Joining him were Kaewphawika Jitthamma, a specialist entomologist from…
- Thailand News
Elderly Thai singer impersonator battles cancer and poverty
The heart-wrenching story of a 71 year old man, known for mimicking the voice of the legendary Thai singer, Chai Mueangsing, has surfaced, highlighting his struggle with terminal cancer and poverty. Living in Chon Buri, the elderly man now finds himself collecting garbage to sell, his home devoid of electricity and water, and his health rapidly declining. Adun Wongnoi’s Facebook…
- Thailand News
Gridlock crisis: Phuket’s billion-baht boom sparks urgent action
Provincial officials have vowed to tackle Phuket’s surging traffic chaos as the island’s tourism industry hits record-breaking highs. Governor Sophon Suwannarat chaired a high-stakes Zoom meeting with key stakeholders on Thursday, December 26, to address infrastructure challenges threatening the paradise’s reputation. With over 10 million visitors in 2023 generating a staggering 388 billion baht in revenue—an astounding 100.38% increase from…
- Thailand News
Thai police to manage new year traffic with drones
Real-time traffic management is a priority for the Police Region 2 during the new year festive period, utilising drone technology to monitor and address traffic issues. The focus is on two major routes connecting to the northeastern region, with measures including vehicle dispersal and law enforcement to reduce accidents. Within the CCTV operations control room of Police Region 2, Yingyot…
- Thailand News
Motorcyclist fatally shot in Chon Buri, police search for suspect
A young man was fatally shot whilst riding a motorcycle in Chon Buri, leaving him dead on the spot. Initially, locals mistook the accident for a collision with a dog due to the loud noise. However, their suspicions were confirmed when they heard gunfire and witnessed a pickup truck speed away from the scene. The incident took place at approximately…
- Thailand News
Electric car smashes into sugarcane truck in Khon Kaen
A serious accident unfolded in Khon Kaen province yesterday evening, December 27 involving an electric car rear-ending an 18-wheel sugarcane truck, resulting in severe injuries for the driver. Emergency services swiftly intervened to extricate the trapped individual and rushed him to hospital. Emergency responders from the Sawang Khon Kaen Samakkhi Foundation in Khon Kaen were alerted to the incident at…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s Freedom Beach embroiled in land encroachment dispute
Phuket’s scenic Freedom Beach, a favourite among tourists, finds itself at the centre of a legal tussle as allegations of land encroachment surface. The head of the Forest Protection Unit, Sorasak Rananan, has reported 15 alleged incidents of encroachment onto the protected grounds within the Khao Nakkerd National Forest Reserve. This complaint was lodged with the Karon Police following an…
- Pattaya News
Foreign motorcyclist’s ill-judged turn in Pattaya leaves 3 injured
A serious accident unfolded on Pattaya Third Road just after midnight yesterday, December 27, resulting in critical injuries for a foreign motorcyclist and minor injuries for two Thai women. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the collision at 12.16am and dispatched volunteers to the location near Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 4/1. Upon arrival, rescue teams found the foreign…
- Thailand News
Drowsy danger: Driver fatigue blamed in fatal Loei bus crash
A tragic accident unfolded yesterday morning, December 27 when a double-decker bus crashed on the Chum Phae-Phu Kradueng road in Loei. The bus, part of the Bangkok-Loei-Chiang Khan route, veered off course around 6.30am, colliding with trees for approximately 100 metres. Police and emergency teams arrived to find the vehicle’s front severely damaged, with shattered windows and the driver’s door…
- Thailand News
New year traffic chaos hits Ayutthaya roads
Traffic congestion gripped the routes through Ayutthaya as people embarked on their new year holiday journeys. Traffic reports yesterday evening, December 27 highlighted heavy vehicle accumulation at Bang Pa-in Interchange, with cars from Phahonyothin Road, Highway 9, and the motorway filling all lanes. Many city dwellers were eager to leave Bangkok and surrounding provinces, heading towards the northern and northeastern…
- Thailand News
Chilly start: Thailand braces for new year cold spell
Thailand is bracing for a cool spell across its north, northeast, and central regions during the new year period, with temperatures expected to remain low until January 9, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The department announced that much of the country should prepare for cold mornings, as a robust cold air mass from China is set to blanket…
- Thailand News
From hippo stardom to scandals: Thailand’s unforgettable 2024
What a whirlwind year it’s been for Thailand’s lifestyle and entertainment scene! From record-breaking achievements to shocking scandals, 2024 was packed with drama, joy, and surprises that left the world watching in awe. Here’s a look at the personalities who defined the year. Move over Kardashians; Moo Deng is here! Born on July 10, this pygmy hippo turned into an…
- Thailand News
Thailand celebrates National Wildlife Protection Day
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) celebrated National Wildlife Protection Day yesterday with the theme World – Wild – Life Balance: Sustainable Ecosystems for People, Wildlife, and Forests. The event included the official opening of the National Park Tourism Year 2025, aiming to enhance Thailand’s beaches to international standards. The ceremony took place at the Government…
- Thailand News
Yacht fleet breakfast: Thaksin and Thamanat’s island meet-up
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and ex-Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow made waves yesterday, December 26 as they were spotted enjoying a private breakfast on the picturesque Koh Lipe, Satun province. The political duo arrived in style, leading a fleet of six luxury yachts to the tropical getaway. Landing unannounced at the upscale Bulow Casa Grand View Resort, they dined from…
- Thailand News
Thailand allows daily airport alcohol sales to boost tourism
The Prime Minister’s Office has implemented a regulation allowing the daily sale of alcoholic beverages at major international airports. This directive, detailed in the Royal Gazette on Christmas Day, became effective yesterday, December 26. The modification aims to align legal practices with the current situation, an observer noted. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the counsel of the Alcoholic Beverage Control…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok woman arrested for call centre scam impersonating police
A 63 year old woman was recently arrested in Bangkok for allegedly participating in a call centre scam that impersonated police officers from the Surin City Police Station. The scam involved video calls to victims, convincing them to transfer money for “verification” purposes, resulting in losses exceeding 1 million baht. The arrest was made yesterday by the Metropolitan Police Bureau,…
- Thailand News
Festive cops hit Pattaya Walking Street with candies
Tourists in Pattaya got an unexpected festive surprise on Christmas Day as the city’s Tourist Police doled out sweets to delighted visitors while promoting the Thailand Tourist Police app, a tool designed to enhance safety and provide quick assistance across the country. “Safety doesn’t take a holiday,” quipped one officer, handing out candy to a group of tourists. The app,…
- Thailand News
Traffic congestion rises as Thai motorists head home for new year
Traffic congestion has begun as people return home for the new year celebrations. Roads across Saraburi, particularly Phahonyothin and Route 304, are seeing increased volumes of vehicles, prompting traffic police to expedite the flow towards the gateway to Isaan. Reports yesterday highlighted the growing traffic on Friendship Highway as people journey back to their hometowns for the new year festivities.…
- Pattaya News
Christmas cable heist sparks outrage in Pattaya
Pattaya residents were left fuming after two brazen thieves swiped 60 metres of electrical cable worth 27,000 baht on Christmas Day. The audacious theft occurred behind the Pattaya Indoor Sports Stadium, prompting Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai to demand immediate action from officials and investigators. Huay Yai Police acted swiftly, conducting a thorough investigation at the scene and nabbing the culprits…
- Thailand News
Bangkok pawnshops cut interest rates by 20% for new year
Bangkok pawnshops have announced a special initiative to reduce interest rates by 20% for all loans, offering this as a new year gift to alleviate financial burdens for residents. The programme aims to spread happiness and ease expenses for citizens during the festive season. Chanathip L. Virapark, Director of the Pawnshops Office, revealed the initiative following a policy set by…
- Thailand News
Thai actor DJ Man freed after acquittal in Forex-3D fraud case
Thai actor Pattanapol Mintakhin aka DJ Man was released from prison after being acquitted in the Forex-3D fraud case. The court’s decision brought relief to his family, who were eagerly waiting outside the Bangkok Remand Prison. DJ Man, who had been in custody, was greeted by his parents and ex-wife, Baitoey, upon his release. Emerging from the prison at 7.55pm…
