Puntid Tantivangphaisal
- Thailand News
British tourist left high and dry as hotel vanishes on Koh Samui
An idyllic Thai getaway turned into a financial nightmare for a 30 year old British tourist when he landed on Koh Samui only to discover his booked hotel was nowhere to be found. Glen Parke had his holiday dreams turn into a financial quagmire when he shelled out £282 (approximately 13,000 baht) for a 59-night stay at Lek Lek Residence…
- Thailand News
Silencing the Voice: Pro-Thaksin outlet shuts down, sending shockwaves
A bombshell announcement rocks the media landscape as Voice TV, the longstanding bastion of pro-Thaksin views, announces it is shutting down. The board of Voice TV declared the end of its 15-year run, leaving some 100 journalists and staff members facing the axe. The abrupt closure has left tongues wagging, with no immediate rationale provided for the drastic move. Established…
- Thailand News
Frozen pension policy: British expat’s dream turns into nightmare
Expats in Thailand live a life many envy but behind the sunny façade lies a tale of financial struggle and dashed dreams. Three Britons became victims of a decades-long pension policy debacle, turning their golden years into a fight for survival. John Jones, a 77 year old British national, once roamed the globe with the vigour of a jet-setter, but…
- Thailand News
Travel with AirAsia MOVE’s ASEAN Explorer Pass
To revolutionise travel within the ASEAN region, AirAsia MOVE has unveiled its groundbreaking ASEAN Explorer Pass. AirAsia MOVE, the brainchild of Capital A Berhad, is reshaping the landscape of online travel with its pioneering digital venture. At the heart of its mission lies the ASEAN Explorer Pass, hailed as a game-changer in connecting and championing the ASEAN region like never…
- Thailand News
Bangkok school directors get 20-year sentences for bribery
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Thailand handed down 20-year prison sentences to the former director and the former deputy director of Samsenwittayalai School. The two were found guilty of accepting bribes from parents, colloquially termed “tea money,” to secure their children’s admission to the school in 2017. Additionally, the court ordered the pair to pay…
- Pattaya News
Thai narcotics control destroys 22 tonnes of illicit substances
A significant operation to destroy illicit substances and illegal narcotics was carried out by Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Thai Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) on Wednesday. The substances reportedly weighed a staggering 22 tonnes. These substances were collected from 68 individual cases. The substances consisted of 17,806.87 kilogrammes of amphetamine, 2,871.77 kilogrammes of…
- Thailand News
Summer storm unroofs homes in Chaiyaphum
A devastating summer storm recently struck the Chaiyaphum province, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The community of Ban Na Sao was hit by a severe storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to over 10 houses. The powerful storm, characterised by strong winds, caused widespread blackouts throughout the village, tearing roofs off houses and granaries with alarming ease.…
- Thailand News
Fintech friends: Thai-Australian pact seals future prosperity
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the Thai Fintech Association and FinTech Australia, setting the stage for increased collaboration in the burgeoning financial technology sector. The agreement was signed this week, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhancing their fintech industries. The Deputy Chair of FinTech Australia, Brian Collins, acknowledged the vast potential for growth in Thailand…
- Thailand News
Japan zoo gender mix-up: Male hippo turns out to be female
In a revelation that has stunned both visitors and staff, Osaka Tennoji Zoo unearthed a surprising twist regarding Gen-chan, a hippo believed to be male since its arrival from Mexico’s Africam Safari in 2017 at the tender age of 5. The zoo dropped a bombshell on its website, disclosing that Gen-chan is, in fact, a female. Mexican authorities had assured…
- Thailand News
UN report unveils Asia’s climate catastrophe
Asia, the world’s disaster epicentre, has been hit by an onslaught of climate chaos, reveals a damning United Nations report. Floods and storms reign supreme, leaving devastation in their wake, as the region grapples with scorching temperatures and melting glaciers. In a world heating to unprecedented levels, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) declares Asia as the frontline of the climate…
- Thailand News
Bangkok riverside estate lists at 200 million baht
A Facebook post advertising a house for sale along the Chao Phraya River on Charansanitwong Road in Bangkok sparked widespread interest and surprise with its staggering 200 million baht price tag. Social media users have been buzzing about the post, shared in an exclusive group for luxury properties, presenting a prime piece of land with a view of the Sapaya…
- Thailand News
Crackdown on counterfeit cosmetics reveals 100 million baht scam
Thai authorities have dismantled a significant counterfeit cosmetics operation, seizing a vast array of fake beauty products and exposing an international supply chain orchestrated by Chinese investors. The fraudulent enterprise, which relied heavily on online platforms to distribute counterfeit cosmetics, generated sales exceeding 100 million baht per year. The crackdown followed a series of consumer complaints regarding the quality of…
- Thailand News
Thai MPs set to jump ship as PM Srettha prepares major reshuffle
Two Members of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party are on the brink of securing seats in the Cabinet, according to insider sources. Paopoom Rojanasakul, a party-list MP, and Jiraporn Sindhuprai, representing Roi Et, were reportedly spotted at Government House on Tuesday, fuelling speculation of their imminent ascent. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, despite dismissing rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle…
- Thailand News
Transport minister sets off for China for high-speed rail talks
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will jet off to China next month for a meeting to discuss Thailand’s ambitious high-speed railway project and ignite the engines on the Land Bridge megaproject, worth a staggering 1 trillion baht. Suriya declared yesterday his forthcoming leadership at the 31st Thailand-China joint ministerial committee meeting scheduled for May 7 to 9. Topics on the agender…
- Thailand News
Japan’s hotspots for Golden Week getaways
As Japan gears up for its Golden Week, holidaymakers hunt for the perfect getaway destination. The latest data from travel giant Agoda unveils an intriguing trend: Thailand is stealing the spotlight. Amidst the anticipation for Golden Week, which stretches from April 29 to May 6 this year, Japanese wanderlusts are setting their sights on Thailand like never before, making it…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways bids farewell to iconic Boeing 747 ‘Queen of the Skies’
Thai Airways (THAI) officially bid a fond farewell to the legendary Boeing 747 ‘Queen of the Skies’ amidst a gathering of aviation aficionados and tearful staff in Thailand. Prompted by the recent retirement of Air India’s remaining four Boeing 747-400s, THAI rolled out a majestic carpet, creating a grand stage to honour the original superjumbo jet that had graced their…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai province battles wildfire
The lush province of Chiang Rai was at the mercy of a raging wildfire on Tuesday which incinerated over 400 rai (640,000 square metres) in the vicinity of the Golden Triangle, a renowned region in the district of Chiang Saen. The incident demanded the immediate action of the Chiang Saen District Administration and other responsible officers. The wildfire initially reared…
- Thailand News
Bank of Thailand warns government against digital wallet plan
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, dismissed concerns about a confidential Bank of Thailand (BoT) document warning the government against the proposed digital wallet handout initiative. Phumtham, a prominent figure in the Cabinet, stated he was unaware of the document’s contents and questioned its credibility, insisting that if it were a real warning, it would have been officially…
- Thailand News
Scorching heatwave sparks record-breaking electricity surge
Energy officials revealed that electricity demand skyrocketed to a staggering 35,830 megawatts (MW) at precisely 8.58pm on Monday, shattering previous records amid a blistering national heatwave. Temperatures across the country soared between 35 and 38 degrees Celcius, peaking at a scorching 42 degrees Celcius on the same day. “This demand surge surpassed the previous record of 34,656MW set on April…
- Thailand News
Health Ministry greenlights medical opium and magic mushrooms
The Public Health Ministry authorised the utilisation of opium and magic mushrooms for medical treatment and research purposes. This groundbreaking decision, disclosed in a directive published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, signifies a significant shift in drug policy. Signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the directive came into effect today. It categorises opium and psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha reveals ‘Phuket Model’ to boost tourism and safety
Srettha Thavisin unveiled the Phuket Model which aims to revolutionise tourism management and social security in the tourist hotspot. Addressing a gathering of consular mission heads and law enforcement officials from 12 countries, PM Srettha highlighted the urgent need to prevent Phuket from descending into a haven for safety tourism. “Phuket was the first province I visited after taking office…
- Thailand News
Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained resolute, shrugging off the latest petition urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to delve into the ministry’s alleged misconduct surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital release and parole. Police Colonel Tawee reiterated the ministry’s adherence to regulations governing prisoner treatment outside confinement and parole eligibility. However, he acknowledged citizens’ rights to petition the NACC if they perceive…
- Thailand News
British tourist’s beach blunder lands him in trouble
A British tourist found himself in a sticky situation after driving onto the sidewalk and getting trapped in the sand on Kamala Beach on Monday. The mishap led to police intervention and hefty fines for the Brit’s reckless escapade. Officers from the Kamala Police Station, Phuket Province, launched an investigation into the baffling trend of tourists driving onto the sidewalk…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s State Railway unveils tour adventures on Kiha 183 train
To attract tourists, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has rolled out an array of thrilling train tours aboard the Kiha 183 locomotive. Culture vultures are being invited to embark on a journey through the heart of Thailand’s cultural and natural wonders with 14 exhilarating trips spanning nine distinct routes. From Phetchaburi’s tranquil shores to Lopburi’s lush forests, each escapade…
- Thailand News
Pattaya Airways unveils Thailand’s sole ATR 72-500 freighter
Pattaya Airways has introduced its inaugural ATR 72-500 freighter, named Thanthima with the registration HS-PAW. Marking the beginning of a strategic expansion, this aircraft signals the start of a bold venture for Pattaya Airways, with plans to add a second ATR 72 to its arsenal by May. By year’s end, the airline aims to command a fleet of two ATR…
- Thailand News
Indian coffee trader busted with 10 anacondas on Bangkok flight
Customs officials intercepted a 56 year old coffee trader from Sakleshpur, India with a suitcase filled with 10 baby yellow anacondas, on a flight from Bangkok to Bengaluru. At Kempegowda International Airport, the trader, arriving on Thai Air Asia Flight No. FD-137, was swiftly apprehended on Saturday night, sparking a high-stakes investigation into the illicit trafficking of exotic reptiles. The…
- Thailand News
Former officials to face charges for 2004 Tak Bai massacre
Criminal charges are set to be filed against nine former security officials involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. Lawyers representing the victims’ families are spearheading this legal action. This move comes months before the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on the case, which is due to conclude in October this year. The charges will be filed at…
- Thailand News
Boxing camp owner murdered in Buriram
A boxing camp owner known by many as Sia Dam was brutally murdered at a religious celebration in Buriram. Sia Dam, whose real name is being withheld, was a 56 year old boxing camp owner from Surin Province. The incident occurred yesterday when an unknown assailant shot him in the head and neck, leading to his death in his Hyundai…
- Thailand News
British couple stranded in Dubai returns home to Manchester
Battling storm-struck Dubai chaos, a British couple turned their 12-day flight wait into a three-day journey, involving three flights and seven taxis, to make it back home to Manchester. The couple, 60 year old Alison Shah and her 52 year old partner, Richard Kay, faced a nightmare scenario as they attempted to return from Shah’s birthday trip to Bangkok, only…