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.
  • Phuket NewsPhuket horror: Tourist bludgeoned by rider over route dispute (video)

    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 NewsBangkok gridlock: Holidaymakers return with dried goods

    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 NewsPattaya horror: Foreigner’s body found wedged in drainpipe

    Pattaya horror: Foreigner’s body found wedged in drainpipe

    Pattaya police faced a puzzling situation when they were alerted to the discovery of a foreigner’s body near a Naklua resort on December 30. The body was found in an unusual and alarming position, folded and wedged into a drainpipe measuring 50 by 50 centimetres, with the legs pointing upward, sparking immediate concern. Officers quickly secured the area to conduct…

  • Thailand NewsKamphaeng Phet villagers seek lucky numbers from revered spirit

    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,…

  • Thailand NewsRoad danger: Thailand’s new year accidents claim 215 lives

    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 NewsNew beginnings: Millions in Thailand join new year prayers

    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 NewsLucky escape: Lives and gold spared in Lopburi house fire

    Lucky escape: Lives and gold spared in Lopburi house fire

    A devastating fire consumed a family home, destroying over 100,000 baht in cash but miraculously sparing five baht of gold. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, December 27, resulting in damages estimated at over 1 million baht. Police from the Ban Mi Police Station received reports of the fire at 1.45pm near the entrance to Wat Wongthep in Maha Son subdistrict,…

  • Thailand NewsPolice pickup truck crashes into lamppost in Cha-Am

    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 NewsElderly Thai singer impersonator battles cancer and poverty

    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 NewsGridlock crisis: Phuket’s billion-baht boom sparks urgent action

    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 NewsThai health ministry warns against fake medical certificates

    Thai health ministry warns against fake medical certificates

    The Thai Ministry of Public Health has issued a stern warning to medical facilities against issuing fake medical certificates to foreign workers. Such actions could result in severe penalties, including a maximum two-year prison sentence and a 40,000 baht fine. Phanuwat Panket, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (HSS), expressed concerns about potential malpractice by hospitals in issuing…

  • Thailand NewsThai police to manage new year traffic with drones

    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 NewsElectric car smashes into sugarcane truck in Khon Kaen

    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 NewsPhuket’s Freedom Beach embroiled in land encroachment dispute

    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…

  • Bangkok NewsChinese call centre scam: Bangkok police arrest 4 more men

    Chinese call centre scam: Bangkok police arrest 4 more men

    A coordinated crackdown on a suspected call centre scam network culminated in the arrest of four Chinese men in Bangkok. Police carried out raids across eight locations in the city yesterday, December 27, targeting areas in Bang Na, Makkasan, Lumpini, Huai Khwang, Hua Mak, and Din Daeng. Metropolitan Police Bureau chief investigator, Theeradej Thamsuthee, spearheaded the operation. During the raids,…

  • Pattaya NewsForeign motorcyclist’s ill-judged turn in Pattaya leaves 3 injured

    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 NewsNew year traffic chaos hits Ayutthaya roads

    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 NewsChilly start: Thailand braces for new year cold spell

    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 NewsLottery luck: Past winning numbers revealed

    Lottery luck: Past winning numbers revealed

    A comprehensive list of winning lottery numbers from January over the past 10 years, as provided by Sanook News, is presented below as the lottery draw for January 2 approaches. The statistics reveal potential lucky numbers based on previous draws. In analysing the lottery results from January over the last decade, several patterns and recurring numbers emerge. This historical data…

  • Thailand NewsFrom hippo stardom to scandals: Thailand’s unforgettable 2024

    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 NewsYacht fleet breakfast: Thaksin and Thamanat’s island meet-up

    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 NewsThailand allows daily airport alcohol sales to boost tourism

    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…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s top destinations gear up for new year surge

    Thailand’s top destinations gear up for new year surge

    A jaw-dropping wave of tourists is set to descend on Thailand’s favourite hotspots this new year, with Phuket leading the charge and Chiang Mai hot on its heels. Here’s how the Land of Smiles is gearing up for the festive frenzy. Phuket is bracing for an influx of over 230,000 visitors between December 28 and January 1, projected to inject…

  • Thailand NewsTraffic congestion rises as Thai motorists head home for new year

    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 NewsChristmas cable heist sparks outrage in Pattaya

    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 NewsFrom seed to fortune: The Chearavanont family’s billion-dollar rise

    From seed to fortune: The Chearavanont family’s billion-dollar rise

    What started as a humble seed shop in Bangkok has blossomed into one of the world’s wealthiest empires. The Chearavanont family, with a staggering net worth of US$44.1 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion baht), ranks 19th on Bloomberg’s list of the 25 richest families globally. Here’s how they did it. A century ago, brothers Chia Ek Chor and Chia Siew Whooy…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok pawnshops cut interest rates by 20% for new year

    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 NewsThailand boosts child welfare benefits to 1,000 baht monthly

    Thailand boosts child welfare benefits to 1,000 baht monthly

    Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) has announced an increase in child welfare benefits for insured individuals, with payments rising from 800 baht to 1,000 baht per month per child. This adjustment will take effect in January 2025, following a decision made by the Cabinet on December 17. The move is aimed at encouraging childbirth among insured citizens, as Thailand faces…

  • Bangkok NewsIndian customs seize haul of weed smuggled from Bangkok

    Indian customs seize haul of weed smuggled from Bangkok

    Five travellers arriving from Bangkok were busted in a brazen smuggling attempt at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Christmas Day. Indian customs officials seized a staggering 26 kilogrammes of hydroponic marijuana—worth 26 Indian crores (approximately 104 million baht)—ingeniously concealed in everyday household items. Acting on a tip-off, the Indian Customs Department intercepted the suspects shortly after they…