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 NewsFearless Thai child makes a splash with ‘crocs’ of a different kind

    Fearless Thai child makes a splash with ‘crocs’ of a different kind

    A fearless child was seen playing and swimming with several baby reptiles that looked remarkably like crocodiles. The video clip, which took social media by storm earlier this week, shows the girl fearlessly chasing the tiny reptiles around a tub, picking them up with ease. Reporters, eager to uncover the story behind the viral sensation, traced the video to a crocodile…

  • Thailand NewsPublic health vice minister’s sudden exit from Pheu Thai Party

    Public health vice minister’s sudden exit from Pheu Thai Party

    Wan Yubamrung, the vice minister attached to the public health minister, announced his resignation today. He is set to leave the Pheu Thai Party next week. Wan, the son of outspoken veteran Pheu Thai Party member Chalerm Yubamrung, revealed his decision in an emotional Facebook Live post. “I had never thought about leaving the Pheu Thai Party, as long as…

  • Thailand NewsPublic Health Minister ramps up mental health hotline services

    Public Health Minister ramps up mental health hotline services

    To combat the intertwined issues of mental health and narcotics abuse, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has directed agencies to ramp up hotline services for greater efficiency. During his visit to the Department of Mental Health today, Somsak emphasised the urgent need for improvement. “Around 40% of psychiatric patients suffer due to narcotics.” The health minister highlighted the critical overlap…

  • Thailand NewsPower outage to hit Kathu, Phuket for maintenance tomorrow

    Power outage to hit Kathu, Phuket for maintenance tomorrow

    Phuket will experience a significant power outage affecting a large section of Kathu tomorrow to allow for essential maintenance work on the high-voltage network. The Provincial Electricity Authority for Phuket (PEA Phuket) announced that the outage would occur from 9am to 4.30pm. A map provided by PEA Phuket highlights the affected area, stretching from in front of Sam Burger shop…

  • Thailand NewsWoman arrested for illegal online wildlife trade in southern Thailand

    Woman arrested for illegal online wildlife trade in southern Thailand

    Police apprehended a Thai woman involved in illegal online wildlife trading, seizing 34 rare birds. The suspect admitted to buying the birds from locals and reselling them online for profit. Arune Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), along with Wanpichit Watthanasakmonta, Chief of Police Station 6, and Somphop Trongtokit, Inspector of Police Station 6,…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman alleges relatives stole 1.5 million baht inheritance

    Thai woman alleges relatives stole 1.5 million baht inheritance

    A woman claims her relatives defrauded her of her father’s inheritance, valued at 1.5 million baht, despite a court order appointing her as the estate manager. The inheritance includes 3 baht of gold, a gold ring, a gold-encased amulet, and insurance money. Around 11am today, July 11, at Bang Sri Mueang Police Station in Nonthaburi, Athiwat Sirikangwalwong, founder of the…

  • Thailand NewsThai investors flee Myanmar chaos, pulling out 253 billion baht

    Thai investors flee Myanmar chaos, pulling out 253 billion baht

    Thai companies are fleeing Myanmar amid escalating conflict and economic instability. The ongoing clash between Myanmar’s military government and opposition forces shows no signs of easing, prompting Thai firms to withdraw a staggering US$7 billion (around 253 billion baht) in investments. Once the third-largest investors in Myanmar, Thai companies are now ranked 5th, with investments plummeting from US$11.6 billion in…

  • Thailand NewsNew Bangkok tollgate sparks controversy

    New Bangkok tollgate sparks controversy

    Bangkok’s new tollgate on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway in Pathum Wan district has officially opened, promising to improve the city’s traffic flow—but not without sparking a heated debate. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced that the new Lumpini entrance will provide a crucial link from the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway to Wireless Road. This strategic shortcut is set…

  • Thailand NewsThai man arrested for Facebook phone scam in central Thailand

    Thai man arrested for Facebook phone scam in central Thailand

    Police apprehended a young man at a railway station for allegedly selling mobile phones through a Facebook page, claiming his ex-girlfriend misused his bank account to deceive victims into transferring money without delivering the goods. The suspect, a 21 year old man named Denondai, was arrested by police at Nakhon Pathom Railway Station. The arrest was carried out by Pakapol…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket vies to host 2025 InterPride World Conference

    Phuket vies to host 2025 InterPride World Conference

    Phuket is gearing up to compete for the opportunity to host the 2025 InterPride World Conference, with local officials affirming the island province’s readiness. Governor Sophon Suwannarat led a ceremony for the Pride & Equality Phuket memorandum of understanding alongside representatives from both public and private sectors. The agreement, aimed at promoting gender equality, includes raising awareness about gender inclusivity,…

  • Thailand NewsNew senate sworn in: Election results ‘seal’ the deal on fresh faces

    New senate sworn in: Election results ‘seal’ the deal on fresh faces

    The new Senate was inaugurated yesterday, July 10, following the Election Commission’s certification of the 2024 Senate election results. The ceremony saw 200 elected senators and a reserve list of 100 approved, though controversy struck early when Senator-elect Kordiyah Song-ngam was temporarily suspended due to her advisory role to the president of the Ang Thong Provincial Administration Organisation. The newly…

  • Thailand NewsNine arrested in Songkhla drug raid, crystal meth seized

    Nine arrested in Songkhla drug raid, crystal meth seized

    A police raid on a house in Songkhla’s Mueang district led to the arrest of nine people for alleged drug use, along with the seizure of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Border Patrol Police executed the raid in Thung Wang subdistrict yesterday, July 10, discovering six men and three women partaking in a drug-fuelled party. The suspects attempted to escape upon seeing…

  • Thailand NewsJapanese tourists to flock to Thailand despite economic woes

    Japanese tourists to flock to Thailand despite economic woes

    To revive tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled dynamic strategies to draw Japanese tourists back to the Land of Smiles. Despite the yen’s depreciation, TAT Tokyo Office Director Kajorndet Apichartrakul remains optimistic about reversing the deficit in tourist numbers with Japan. Last year, 995,000 Thai tourists visited Japan, while only 804,000 Japanese tourists came to Thailand, resulting in…

  • Thailand NewsKuwaiti love triangle turns into violent brawl in Pattaya

    Kuwaiti love triangle turns into violent brawl in Pattaya

    A dramatic street fight erupted outside a Pattaya hotel, leaving bystanders in shock and fear. The violent altercation, captured on video by onlookers, prompted a swift police search for the assailant. The incident began as bystanders, including 43 year old chicken rice vendor Sompong Ruangkham, recorded the chaotic scene. “At first, we thought it was some big shot showing off.”…

  • Thailand NewsThailand slashes digital wallet budget amid corruption fears

    Thailand slashes digital wallet budget amid corruption fears

    The Thai government has decided to slash the budget for its digital wallet scheme from 500 billion baht to 450 billion, scrapping plans to borrow 170 billion baht from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced the decision yesterday, July 10, citing corruption concerns raised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Julapun revealed…

  • Thailand NewsThai investor confidence remains neutral for 5th month

    Thai investor confidence remains neutral for 5th month

    The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations’ (FETCO) Investor Confidence Index (ICI) maintained its position in the neutral zone for the 5th consecutive month, registering 82.89 in June. The index, which forecasts market conditions over the next three months, highlights that stimulus measures and companies’ earnings reports could potentially boost investor sentiment in the latter half of the year. FETCO…

  • Thailand NewsKing Vajiralongkorn champions equal education for Thai youth

    King Vajiralongkorn champions equal education for Thai youth

    King Maha Vajiralongkorn is steadfast in his mission to provide equal education opportunities for Thai youth, viewing education as pivotal for the country’s progress. In 2009, then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn initiated the Crown Prince Scholarship, which has since evolved into a foundation dedicated to offering scholarships to underprivileged youth. The King personally chairs this foundation. Privy Councillor General Dapong Ratanasuwan highlighted…

  • Thailand NewsLorry crash in Surat Thani leaves two hospitalised

    Lorry crash in Surat Thani leaves two hospitalised

    A lorry carrying palm oil waste experienced brake failure and crashed into a car, dragged it for 100 metres, and collided with a pickup truck, causing severe damage. Rescue teams extracted two individuals from the wreckage and transported them to the hospital. The incident occurred at 5.50pm yesterday, July 10 when police from Chaiya Police Station in Surat Thani were…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket woman assaulted on motorcycle, prompts police action

    Phuket woman assaulted on motorcycle, prompts police action

    A man on a motorcycle harassed and assaulted a woman in Phuket, prompting calls for police action. The event, which occurred late at night, saw the assailant grab the victim’s chest, almost causing her to fall from her bike. The incident, which occurred on July 1 near the Super Cheap Road in Soi Khok Makham, Rawai, Phuket was reported by…

  • Thailand NewsNew tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark

    New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark

    Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…

  • Thailand NewsTourism Ministry reinstates guarantee for outbound tour operators

    Tourism Ministry reinstates guarantee for outbound tour operators

    Thai travellers faced significant setbacks after some licenced outbound tour operators left them stranded despite purchasing premium packages. In response, the Tourism and Sports Ministry is now seeking enhanced consumer protection measures. The Tourism Department, under the ministry’s supervision, plans to reinstate the guarantee amount for licenced outbound tour companies to 200,000 baht next year. This comes after a pandemic-era…

  • Thailand NewsElection Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light

    Election Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light

    The Election Commission (EC) finally endorsed the results of the senatorial election. Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC confirmed the election’s integrity and backed all 200 winners. The EC convened today, July 10, meeting from 9am to 2.30pm, to resolve the matter. Initially slated for an announcement on July 3, the endorsement was repeatedly postponed due to a…

  • Thailand NewsEarly retirement scheme slashes Thai Defence senior ranks

    Early retirement scheme slashes Thai Defence senior ranks

    The Cabinet approved an early retirement scheme for senior Defence Ministry officials, effective this October. According to insider sources, the initiative is set to revolutionise the armed forces by offering retirement packages to over 700 top brass. The ambitious three-year campaign aims to retire 732 high-ranking officials, approximately 244 each year, slashing the defence budget by an impressive 4.47 billion…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s BOI opens first Saudi branch amid growing ties

    Thailand’s BOI opens first Saudi branch amid growing ties

    Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) will inaugurate its first branch in Saudi Arabia this week, signalling a new chapter in economic relations between the two nations. The new office in Riyadh, opening this Sunday, July 14, marks a significant step in fostering investment and business growth. This strategic expansion has drawn high-profile attendees, including Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and over…

  • Thailand NewsGAC AION charges ahead in Thailand with new EV hub in Rayong

    GAC AION charges ahead in Thailand with new EV hub in Rayong

    China’s 4th-largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, GAC AION New Energy Automobile, is gearing up to revolutionise Thailand’s automotive landscape with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) on July 17. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul announced that the cutting-edge plant, costing a staggering 2.3 billion baht, is poised to kick off operations by November. Boasting…

  • Thailand NewsAmata City factory in Rayong to close by January 2025

    Amata City factory in Rayong to close by January 2025

    A long-standing company in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong, is set to close its doors after 20 years, gradually laying off employees to complete the process by the end of this year or at the latest by January 2025. This news, posted by the News Chon Buri-Rayong Online page, has sent shockwaves through the local workforce, as the company is…

  • Thailand NewsThailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims

    Thailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims

    The Thai government fiercely defended 40 Buriram Rajabhat University graduates against allegations of cheating in their competitive exams for assistant teaching positions. Rumours have been swirling that the graduates were aided by leaked exam papers, a suspicion magnified by the fact that the Minister of Education, Permpoon Chidchob, is from Buriram province. Addressing the controversy, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime…

  • Thailand NewsOil smuggling fugitive escapes with politician’s help

    Oil smuggling fugitive escapes with politician’s help

    Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers are seeking warrants for the arrests of six individuals allegedly involved in the brazen hijacking of three oil smuggling vessels from the Marine Police Division’s pier in Sattahip on June 11. Police Colonel Anek Taosuparb, CSD Deputy Commander, revealed to the media today, July 10, that two of the six suspects, including the ringleader known…

  • Thailand NewsPark officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians

    Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians

    Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender. Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head…

  • Thailand NewsNew Thai Airways deal supercharges UK-Asia courier service

    New Thai Airways deal supercharges UK-Asia courier service

    Heathrow Airport’s only on-site express courier handler, CFL, inked a three-year deal with Thai Airways (THAI), boosting courier capacity between the UK and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. CFL Chief Executive Matthew Ware expressed his excitement. “We are delighted to formalise this important partnership with THAI. Exporting is vital for the UK economy, and this deal will give UK businesses…