- Thailand News
Nonthaburi: Retired teacher loses 2 million baht in call centre scam
A retired teacher fell victim to a call centre scam, losing 2 million baht after being convinced by fraudsters. The incident took place on February 3, when scammers contacted the elderly woman via a messaging app, impersonating officials from the Ministry of Finance. The scammers persuaded the woman that her bank account should not hold more than 2 million baht,…
- Thailand News
Thai FDA assures public on Coca-Cola recall safety
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified concerns regarding Coca-Cola’s recall of soft drinks in Europe due to excessive chlorate levels. The FDA assured that the affected batches from Belgium have not been imported into Thailand, with most imported soft drinks originating from ASEAN countries like Laos and Singapore, which are not involved in the recall. Deputy Secretary-General of…
- Phuket News
Tunisian tourist tries to outrun Karon cops, chase ends in arrest
A reckless Tunisian tourist led Karon Police on a dramatic chase after blowing through a checkpoint along Karon Beach Road last night. At 8.08pm yesterday, February 4, officers stationed on Patak Road, near the southern end of Karon Beach, signalled for a red Honda Scoopy motorcycle to stop. However, the rider, identified as 23 year old Samir Brki, ignored their…
- Thailand News
Over 27 tonnes of illegal drugs to be destroyed in ONCB crackdown
Over 27 tonnes of illegal drugs are set to be destroyed tomorrow as part of drug eradication efforts by the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Apikit Chrojprasert, Deputy Secretary General of the ONCB, attended an event yesterday, February 4, alongside police and other officials to prepare for the large-scale incineration of illegal drugs. The total weight of drugs confiscated…
- Phuket News
Uzbek tourist robbed at Patong Beach, thieves arrested
A gang of thieves who stole an Uzbek tourist’s bag at Patong Beach in the early hours of this morning didn’t get far, as police tracked them down and arrested them within just over an hour. The victim, 21 year old Xhayrdonion Zafarugu Khanotion, reported the theft to Patong Police at 3am today, February 5, stating that his waist bag,…
- Thailand News
Bus crash in Tak leaves driver, attendant dead, 35 tourists hurt
A bus driver and attendant died when a bus collided with a tree in the Wang Chao district of Tak province. The incident also left 35 foreign tourists injured. Police Colonel Wasan Sirikanjakom, head of Wang Chao Police Station, today, February 5, at 1.20am received a report from the Tak Provincial Police emergency centre about the accident on National Highway…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s new digital entry rule sparks panic: TM6 form
Thailand’s latest travel rule is set to shake up the entry process for all foreign visitors but with just a few months to go, crucial details remain missing. From May 1, all non-Thai passport holders must complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travelling, replacing the outdated TM6 paper form. The online submission will require personal details, travel plans,…
- Pattaya News
Police raid Pattaya nightclubs in surprise crackdown
Pattaya’s nightlife came under the spotlight as Tourist Police and Chon Buri Immigration officers launched surprise raids on entertainment venues on February 3. The operation, conducted under the 5 Safe policy, aimed to crack down on drugs, weapons, human trafficking, and illegal foreign workers while ensuring overall safety. Police targeted popular nightlife hotspots along Pattaya Third Road, where foreign tourists…
- Bangkok News
AirAsia expands Thai network with new routes from Suvarnabhumi
AirAsia is ramping up its domestic game with the launch of two brand-new routes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering twice-daily flights to Udon Thani and a daily service to Khon Kaen. The budget airline is doubling down on Suvarnabhumi as a major hub, adding to its existing domestic connections, which include six daily flights to Chiang Mai, four to Phuket,…
- Thailand News
Village headman shot by friend who mistook him for a chicken
A tragic incident unfolded in the forested area behind a village in the Mueang district of Chiang Mai province, where a 40 year old village headman, Somsak (surname withheld), was shot dead by a friend. The friend, 35 year old Wiraphon (surname withheld), mistook him for a wild chicken and fired a shotgun, hitting him in the head. The police…
- Pattaya News
Cyber police crack down on scam gang in Chon Buri
The Thai Cyber Police yesterday provided an update on the investigation into a high-profile scam involving a gang known as Ploy Phet and other victims at the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Mueang Thong Thani. This follows the arrest of 28 year old Thanawut, who impersonated police officers to extort money via video calls. Thanawut was apprehended in Nong…
- Thailand News
Loei forest fire extinguished after 30-hour battle
Firefighters in Loei province have successfully extinguished a forest fire that ravaged 400 rai over a 30-hour operation. The blaze, which affected the Phu Huai Ngiu, Phu Hin Hong, and Phu Yata forests in Mueang district, had been active for a day and caused significant distress to residents due to the smoke. Thinnakorn Kasetkasorn, the mayor of the Chaiyaphuek Subdistrict…
- Thailand News
Thai space device to join China’s Chang’e 7 lunar mission
A collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been greenlit by the Cabinet, as announced by Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. This partnership will see the development of a space environment monitoring device by Thai researchers. The device, known as the Moon Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope (Match), is scheduled for…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s new bus shelters as much use as a chocolate fireguard
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) addressed concerns regarding the transparency of its bus shelter procurement initiative amidst criticisms that they are as much use as a chocolate fireguard as the shelters won’t protect people from the sun and rain. The BMA outlined plans for two shelter models: one is 2.3 by 3 metres, accommodating three individuals, priced at approximately 230,000 baht.…
- Thailand News
Man arrested in Tak for smuggling tech gear to Myanmar
A 54 year old man has been apprehended in Tak province for attempting to smuggle computer equipment and surveillance cameras across the border to a call centre gang in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The operation, conducted yesterday, February 4, was led by Police Lieutenant General Kittisak Durongkiboon and involved various enforcement teams. The man, identified as Anusak Wongnoi from Mae Sot district,…
- Bangkok News
Chinese gambling trio busted in Bangkok luxury condo raid
Three Chinese men have been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly running an illegal online gambling network with over 200,000 members and a daily turnover exceeding 2 million baht. Tourist Police raided a luxury condominium in Huai Khwang today, February 4, apprehending 41 year old Wen Chong, 24 year old Peng Cheng, and 31 year old Po Hong. The suspects were…
- Tourism News
Thailand tourists surge by 21% despite safety fears
Foreign tourists are flocking to Thailand in record numbers, shrugging off safety concerns following the high-profile trafficking case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was abducted and forced to work in an illegal call centre in Myanmar last month. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 3.97 million visitors arrived in Thailand as of February 2, marking a 21%…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok man arrested for setting fire to relative’s pickup
A 52 year old man was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a relative’s pickup in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district. The incident followed a dispute over a motorcycle accident and occurred on Saturday, February 1, when a Ford Ranger was found burned beside a house in Bangkok. Upon investigation, police discovered security camera angles had been altered, obscuring the identity…
- Pattaya News
Israeli fugitive wanted for stabbing caught hiding in Pattaya
A 27 year old Israeli fugitive was arrested in Pattaya after Thai immigration police discovered he was wanted for a violent assault in Tel Aviv and had overstayed his visa. The suspect, identified only as T, was apprehended yesterday, February 3 after police found he was listed on an Interpol Red Notice for a gruesome attack in Israel. Officers arrested…
- Thailand News
Man arrested with 3.2 million meth pills in Mukdahan after car crash
A 32 year old man was arrested after crashing his car into an electricity pole during a police chase in Mukdahan province. Officers discovered 3.2 million methamphetamine (meth) pills in the vehicle, with an accomplice escaping in another car. Police from Region 4, in collaboration with various drug suppression units and the Mukdahan police, apprehended Setthachoke near Modcharoensap Garage in…
- Bangkok News
Thai teen saved from drowning in Chao Phraya River
A 24 year old rider and volunteer from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation jumped into the Chao Phraya River to rescue a 16 year old girl who had fallen in. The incident took place yesterday, February 3 at 3.30pm, and the girl was subsequently taken to Ang Thong Hospital for treatment. Police from Mueang Ang Thong Police Station had been informed…
- Thailand News
NHSO adds six medications to national health insurance scheme
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board approved the addition of six medications to the national health insurance system yesterday, February 3. This initiative aims to ensure patients have comprehensive access to essential treatments, particularly for tuberculosis, nephritis, and lymphoma. The decision follows approval from various subcommittees and aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organisation on tuberculosis treatment. The…
- Phuket News
Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, arrested on the spot
A drunk French tourist crashed his motorcycle into a traffic police officer in Patong early this morning, leaving both men injured and prompting an immediate arrest. The incident occurred at 7.14am, today, February 4, on Phra Metta Road, in front of the Bangkok Bank branch. Patong police were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found two damaged motorcycles…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s 34 billion baht railway plan to boost trade and tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pushing for an 80-million-baht budget to conduct a feasibility study for a new double-track railway linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. The massive 34.59 billion baht project aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy to enhance railway efficiency, improve connectivity between Thailand and neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s most polluted areas revealed in air quality report
IQAir released a real-time report on air quality in Thailand highlighting the top 10 areas with the highest levels of PM 2.5 pollution, a fine particulate matter known to affect health. As of 8.49am, today, February 4, these areas were identified as having air quality levels that pose health risks, marked in red for their severity. The list of the…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya offers free Thai massages: Free job training
Pattaya residents and visitors can now enjoy free Thai massages and foot reflexology, thanks to a city initiative aimed at boosting employment and tackling poverty. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently visited a Thai massage and foot massage training programme, where participants were honing their skills as part of their certification process. Organised by the Social Welfare Office, the initiative aligns with…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video)
Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced two young striped hyenas, a male and a female, following in the footsteps of the much-loved tiger Eva. The hyenas’ debut occurred yesterday, February 3, attracting many visitors charmed by the new arrivals. The young hyenas, born to parents Sonic and Sanya on December 13 last year, represent a significant success in breeding rare…
- Thailand News
Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Taiwanese ‘Meteor Garden’ star Barbie Hsu dies at 48
The entertainment world is in shock after Taiwanese actress and television host Barbie Hsu, best known for her iconic role in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia at the age of 48. Hsu, one of the biggest stars in the Mandarin-speaking world, became a household name across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, after Meteor Garden was dubbed…
- Thailand News
Hunter found dead in Khao Yai Park, police investigate
A 58 year old hunter was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Khao Yai National Park. His wife revealed he used ripe jackfruit to lure wild boars and never returned home. Police found spent shotgun shells at the scene. Police Colonel Prasit Phakdi from Nadi Police Station in Prachinburi province received a report about a death near Khao Yai National…