- Phuket News
Phuket’s booming job market: Officials report 99% employment rate
Phuket’s job market is thriving, with 99.15% of registered residents employed, according to the latest report from the Phuket Subcommittee on Labour Development and Provincial Vocational Training Coordination (SVTC). The figures were unveiled during a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri at the Phuket Skill Development Institute 21 yesterday, January 29, where officials reviewed the province’s labour situation and…
- Thailand News
Illegal work hub: 17 foreigners arrested in island raids
Police in Surat Thani have swooped on illegal foreign workers across three of Thailand’s most popular tourist islands, arresting 17 foreign nationals and one Thai citizen in a sweeping immigration raid this week. Led by Surat Thani immigration officers, police, and local officials, the raids targeted Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao, following reports of foreigners running unregistered…
- Thailand News
Publicity stunt: PM Paetongtarn launches monthly TV show
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to make her TV debut this Sunday, February 2, in the first episode of her brand-new talk show, Empowering Thais. The programme aims to promote her government’s achievements and future vision, giving the public a direct insight into national policies. Airing on Channel 11 of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), the half-hour…
- Phuket News
Body of Thai crewman found floating near Phuket
Police yesterday launched an investigation after the body of a 31 year old Thai crewman was discovered floating near Ao Por, Pa Khlok. The man, identified as Thanyawit Thahanthai, was last seen the night before, staying overnight on the tour boat where he worked—but by morning, he had vanished. Locals spotted the body offshore around midday, yesterday, January 29, and quickly…
- Phuket News
Phuket schoolgirls honoured for heroic life-saving rescue
Two high school students from Cherng Talay Wittayakhom School have been hailed local heroines after their quick-thinking actions saved a man’s life earlier this month. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat personally recognised Benchawan Kanphai aka Rinda and Siriporn Ditsawan, both Grade 12 students, in a special ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, January 29, awarding them certificates of appreciation for their courage…
- Thailand News
Thailand cracks down on fake visa holders: Pakistanis face blacklist
Thai police are tightening the screws on travellers using fake documents, with Pakistanis now facing blacklisting if caught. According to ARY News, the Thai Consulate in Karachi has introduced stricter visa guidelines, ensuring that all applicants submit original, verifiable documents, including genuine airline tickets and hotel bookings. A consulate official confirmed, “Anyone caught submitting forged documents, including travel agents, will face strict action, including blacklisting.” The move aims to curb…
- Thailand News
New debt relief scheme aids nearly 500,000 Thai debtors
Deputy Finance Minister Phaophum Rojanasakul announced that as of January 28, the You Fight, We Help initiative has received interest from 497,552 debtors, covering 576,496 accounts. The scheme aims to assist individual debtors and includes two measures, excluding direct registration with financial institutions. The first measure, Direct Payment, Asset Retention, targets home, car, and small SME loans with modest limits,…
- Thailand News
Lottery luck: Number 703 sparks lottery frenzy in Phayao
Residents of Ban San Pa Nat in Dok Kham Tai district, Phayao province participated in the annual ritual to honour the spirit of Chao Pho Ong Dam today. They gathered to perform traditional rites and offered various items including flowers, incense, and food. This cultural event, held on the 13th day of the waning moon in the fourth month, is…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police book illegal Russian guide – but not for a tour
Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested a Russian woman at Khao Chi Chan for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide. The arrest took place on Tuesday, January 28, at the parking area of the Khao Chi Chan Buddha engraving site. Police had observed the woman leading a group of foreign tourists, speaking in a foreign language, without the presence of…
- Thailand News
New Thai team to tackle Deep South conflict amid growing violence
A new government team dedicated to peace negotiations will be formed to address the ongoing conflict in the Deep South, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham stated that the leader of the new team has yet to be decided. The choice could involve reappointing the previous team or opting for a new one, contingent on a comprehensive…
- Bangkok News
Civil group pushes for casino referendum with 50,000 signatures
A civil network has initiated a campaign to collect signatures for a referendum on the potential legalisation of casinos in the country. Thanakorn Komkris, Secretary General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, stated that the network aims to collect a minimum of 50,000 signatures to prompt a referendum for public input on the matter. Previously, the foundation launched an online petition…
- Bangkok News
Thai cops shut down illegal steroid lab in Bangkok
Thai police have smashed a massive underground steroid operation, seizing 1.9 million unregistered Dexamethasone tablets in a dramatic raid in Bangkok on January 24. The joint crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)exposed a dangerous black market scheme, where the powerful steroid was being illegally produced and mixed into health products, from herbal remedies and drinks to cosmetics. Dexamethasone, a controlled substance…
- Pattaya News
Adorable alert: Khao Kheow Zoo welcomes baby zebra
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a new star attraction—a cute and cuddly zebra foal that’s already stealing hearts. On Sunday, January 26, Zoo Director Narongwit Chotchoy proudly announced the birth of a female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year. The little striped beauty, whose name is yet to be revealed, was born to a six year old mother and an eight year old father and is reported…
- Thailand News
Opposition mounts against potash mining in Thailand
Opponents of potash mining in Nakhon Ratchasima are urging the energy group Bangchak Plc to adhere to good governance practices. Bangchak, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is the majority owner of the mining company with the concession rights. Representatives from the Dan Khun Thot Conservation Group convened at the Ministry of Industry yesterday, urging the Department of Primary…
- Thailand News
Thailand denies mistreatment of jailed Chinese gambling tycoon
Thailand has refuted allegations of mistreatment against She Zhijiang, a jailed gambling tycoon facing extradition to China over charges of running illegal online gambling operations in Southeast Asia, said Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. She, a Chinese Cambodian businessman, has claimed he experienced inhumane treatment in a Thai prison, including violence that has rendered him unable to stand. This claim was…
- Phuket News
Reckless pickup vs 18-wheeler in Phuket near-disaster
A reckless pickup driver narrowly avoided disaster after trying to cut in front of an 18-wheeler hauling a crane, causing a low-speed but dangerous collision near Cherng Talay Police Station. Cherng Talay Police released CCTV footage of the shocking incident, which took place on Monday, January 27. The video shows the workman’s pickup truck attempting a risky manoeuvre, only to be swept up by the…
- Phuket News
Phuket: Construction worker slits man’s throat in motorbike dispute
A construction site in Phuket turned into a bloodbath this morning, January 29, when a heated argument over a motorbike accident ended in cold-blooded murder. Police were called to a construction site in Soi Phu Yai Din, Village 4, Srisoonthorn, just before 8.30am, where they found 28 year old Ka Aye lying lifeless on a steel cutting machine, his throat brutally slit. The deep wound on the right…
- Pattaya News
Brutal Pattaya beatdown: Thai police hunt down Chinese gang
Thai police are cracking down on a brutal gang attack in Pattaya that left a Chinese man beaten unconscious in a shocking assault caught on CCTV. The violent attack, which took place on September 13 last year, quickly went viral, sparking outrage and a high-profile police investigation. Chon Buri Police Commander Police Major General Thawatakiat Jindakwansanong chaired a crisis meeting to review the case’s progress. So…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways’ A320 business class: Luxury or letdown?
Thai Airways is stepping up its game, rolling out regional business class on its single-aisle Airbus A320 jets, promising premium perks and a smoother flying experience. But is it the luxury upgrade travellers crave—or just a glorified economy seat with extra legroom? Dubbed Royal Silk Class, Thai’s A320 business cabin features 12 wide reclining seats with a 38” pitch and 5” recline—a significant improvement over…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok residents frustrated by Chinese New Year fireworks chaos (video)
Residents in Bangkok are voicing their dissatisfaction over Chinese people setting off fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with little regard for police intervention. The fireworks have sparked fires in nearby grasslands, causing chaos for fire services, and have left pets in distress. Social media users have reported complaints from multiple areas across the city, including Huai Khwang, Rama…
- Bangkok News
Man arrested in Bangkok for motorcycle theft and knife threat
A 47 year old man was apprehended by Sutthisan police after allegedly threatening a victim with a knife and stealing their motorcycle yesterday, January 28. The suspect, identified as Nui Somchai, was caught during a routine patrol after officers noticed suspicious behaviour near Sutthisan Police Station in Bangkok. Police Colonel Siam Boonsom directed Police Colonel Porntep Chalermkiat and other officers from…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s Walking Street swarmed by cops in CNY crackdown
Tourists on Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street got more than just neon lights and nightlife this Chinese New Year—law enforcement was out in full force. In a high-profile safety operation, Pattaya Tourist Police, backed by local police and the US Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), launched a crackdown to ensure tourist safety during the festive season. Leading the charge was Police…
- Bangkok News
Illegal foreign workers busted in Bangkok salon raid
A beauty salon in Bangkok catering to Chinese tourists was raided, leading to the arrest of six hairdressers from China and Myanmar. The Chinese owner fled the scene. Police General Kittirat Phanpet, the national police chief, yesterday ordered measures to address the issue of foreigners breaking the law and to prepare for the High Season. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am,…
- Thailand News
Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
- Phuket News
Phuket gets ready for provincial elections this Saturday
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has officially launched the final preparations for the upcoming election of members and the president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), set to take place on February 1. The event, the Election Big Day, was organised by the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) and the PPAO. During the ceremony, Akarawat…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry
Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January—a 16% increase…
- Thailand News
Chinese New Year spending in Thailand hits 51 billion baht
Public expenditure during the Chinese New Year is projected to reach 51.78 billion baht, marking the highest level in five years, according to recent government estimates. Sasikan Wattanachan, deputy government spokesperson, noted that this figure signifies a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year. It is also the first occasion since the Covid-19 pandemic that spending for Chinese New Year…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list
Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris—a move that could cement the city’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand to launch digital TM6 for tourists, delays 300-baht fee
Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help…
