- Thailand News
Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
- Thailand News
From Down Under to Bangkok Hilton: An Aussie woman’s harrowing tale
An Australian woman who spent seven gruelling years in a Thai prison for heroin trafficking revealed the appalling conditions she endured in the so-called Bangkok Hilton. Holly Deane-Johns, then 29, was caught trying to mail a parcel of heroin to her family in Perth. Facing the death penalty, she was instead sentenced to 31 years in the infamous Lardyao Women’s…
- Thailand News
British DJ plans seventh girlfriend to complete weekly roster
A British DJ and producer residing in the United States captured public interest with his unconventional approach to relationships. Already in relationships with six women, the DJ expressed his intent to add a seventh to ensure a date for every day of the week, challenging traditional romance norms. Despite criticism, the Brit, known as LX, insists he is not a…
- Thailand News
Chilli shoppers feel the heat as market prices surge amid dry spell
Shoppers at Naklua Market were left stunned by an unexpected surge in veggie costs, particularly garden chilli peppers, driven by a relentless dry spell gripping the region. A survey yesterday revealed a dramatic spike in the cost of garden chilli peppers, which have skyrocketed from 200 to 400 baht per kilogramme. To cope with the steep prices, vendors have resorted…
- Thailand News
Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels
Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…
- Thailand News
Thai airlines soar with record profits despite rising costs
Thailand’s booming aviation sector has given Thai airlines Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia a profitable first quarter, despite the challenges posed by escalating costs. Bangkok Airways, known for catering to leisure travellers, reported a robust comeback with tourist arrivals reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels in the first three months of 2024. A standout achievement was the launch of direct flights…
- Thailand News
Doctor Climax: Netflix’s bold new series explores taboo Thai culture
Netflix is no stranger to controversy, and their latest series, Doctor Climax, is poised to push boundaries once again. Following the exploration of Thai Buddhism’s commercialisation in The Believers, Netflix is diving into the secretive world of Thailand in the 1970s with a show that promises to reveal what was once unspoken. Directed by the dynamic duo Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, known…
- Thailand News
Reeling in profits: Nakhon Ratchasima villagers cash in on low water levels
Villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima flocked to buy fishing permits, taking advantage of the reduced water levels in a natural canal to catch fish for both consumption and sale, thereby boosting their income. The funds raised from selling the permits are earmarked for village development. Reporters noted that hundreds of residents from the Phimai district, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, gathered at…
- Thailand News
Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha’s plan to rename Hua Hin Airport
During a visit to Hua Hin yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha revealed his support for renaming the airport to Phetch-Hua Hin. This strategic move aims to highlight the adjoining province of Phetchaburi and tap into its potential as a tourist hotspot. Currently situated in the Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Hua Hin Airport is positioned right on the…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways’ Boeing and Airbus aircraft sales
Thai Airways International (THAI) successfully sold its entire fleet of 18 retired aircraft, including six Boeing 777-200s, six Boeing 777-300s, and six Airbus A380s. This major move marks a significant step in the airline’s restructuring strategy. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri confirmed that sales agreements for all 18 aircraft have been signed on May 12. The airline has already completed the…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps
Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…
- Thailand News
BrewDog’s Bangkok expansion: What this means for Thai nightlife
Multinational brewery and pub chain BrewDog is shaking up the Bangkok bar scene with its latest announcement, partnering with Atalanta Hospitality to open its first bar in Thailand, part of a major push into the Asian market. BrewDog, known for its edgy branding and innovative brews, currently operates over 100 bars and hotels worldwide. Last year, it ambitiously unveiled plans…
- Thailand News
AIS compensates customers for network outage in Thailand
Advance Info Service Plc (AIS), Thailand’s leading mobile operator, apologised for a recent network interruption that affected its customers. The company has confirmed that its engineering team has resolved the issue, which disrupted mobile phone usage in certain areas yesterday evening. To make amends, AIS has announced compensation for all its customers, regardless of their package plans. Customers of AIS…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways’ sky-high comeback from bankruptcy brink
Thai Airways International revealed its anticipated completion of its ongoing restructuring saga, set to wrap up later this year, marking a remarkable turnaround since the tumultuous onset of the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. The Bangkok-based airline, ravaged by the pandemic’s economic fallout, embarked on this arduous journey to rein in its debts and reinvent its operational strategies amidst plummeting air…
- Thailand News
Deadly heatwave strikes Thailand: 61 lives lost
The Ministry of Public Health announced a staggering toll: the heatwave has claimed the lives of 61 individuals in Thailand this year, a sharp rise from the 37 casualties recorded last year. Dr Apichart Vachiraphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) disclosed that Most of the heatwave fatalities, a harrowing 33, have devastated families in Thailand’s northeastern…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s deputy finance minister resigns
Kritsada Jinavijarana, former deputy finance minister, officially stepped down from his position, as confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in an exclusive revelation to reporters. PM Srettha made the declaration moments before embarking on an official trip upcountry, slated to span multiple provinces. Kritsada’s abrupt resignation came hot on the heels of a reported dissatisfaction stemming from a perceived reduction…
- Thailand News
Thailand initiates senatorial election process
Thailand’s senatorial election has begun, appointing a new group of 200 senators following the end of the five-year term of the current 250 senators who were appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The Election Commission (EC) announced that candidates can now obtain application forms and necessary documents from district offices in Thailand’s capital and provincial registration…
- Thailand News
Mother exposes child adoption scam on Facebook
A mother filed a complaint after discovering that con artists have used her family’s photos in a Facebook child adoption scam. The deceptive posts, which circulated widely online, brazenly sought caregivers for children, with statements such as: “Looking for a girl to adopt, a generous reward offered, will provide education until graduation. “Seeking someone to adopt a newborn today, message…
- Thailand News
Tourism boost: Bangkok Airways’ SAMUI SAVOR campaign
Bangkok Airways joined BDMS in the SAMUI SAVOR campaign to stimulate local food tourism. The airline is offering a discount at 42 leading restaurants on Koh Samui with a single boarding pass. There is also a chance to win prizes for flights, with 20 available in Thailand. Ploenphit Kosonyuthasan, Director of Tourism and Alliance Marketing Promotion, Bangkok Airways Public Company…
- Thailand News
Godzilla the macaque succumbs to weight-related illnesses (video)
Godzilla, the once-overweight macaque sensation, captured hearts worldwide as his plight against obesity unfolded. But despite efforts to save him, the beloved primate tragically met his demise, leaving a community in mourning. Godzilla, the crab-eating macaque, met his untimely end at the Crystal Pet Hospital in Bangkok on Monday, May 6, succumbing to a plethora of weight-related ailments. At just…
- Thailand News
New Covid-19 sub-variants strike Thailand
Thailand has uncovered 13 cases of the KP.2 and KP.3 or FLiRT sub-variants of the Omicron JN.1 Covid-19 variant. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, the Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department, issued a stern warning, revealing that the severity of these new strains remains a mystery due to insufficient data. “Omicron JN1 and its offshoots continue to loom large over Thailand. JN.1,…
- Thailand News
Hat Yai man ranks fourth in police exams after seven-year struggle
A young man’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become a police officer has paid off after seven years of steadfast determination, culminating in his high-ranking success in the police entrance examination. A department store employee’s unwavering dedication to achieving his dream has finally borne fruit after a gruelling seven-year journey. The young man, who hails from Hat Yai in…
- Thailand News
Greater Bay Airlines halts Hong Kong-Singapore flights
Hong Kong-based carrier Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced the suspension of its daily service between Hong Kong and Singapore, effective from June 1. The decision, attributed to commercial considerations, comes hot on the heels of its recent rivalry with budget giants Scoot and AirAsia, as well as premium players Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Launched with much fanfare on April…
- Thailand News
Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
- Thailand News
Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation
In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling…
- Thailand News
Suspicion clouds Thai political scene with doubts over senatorial election
The air is thick with suspicion in Thailand’s political arena as experts cast doubts on the upcoming senatorial election. Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a voice from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, raised concerns about potential manipulation and delays in the voting results during a panel discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. “The Election Commission’s deadline for announcing results on…
- Thailand News
Tick-tock blow: Court fines NACC for Prawit watch probe
In a significant blow to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and its office, the Central Administrative Court has levied fines for concealing the results of its probe into former deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon’s infamous watch collection. Veera Somkwamkid, a prominent political activist, revealed the court’s ruling today, slapping both entities with a fine of 5,000 baht each for non-compliance. Moreover,…
- Thailand News
Cebu Pacific launches direct flights to Don Mueang Airport
Cebu Pacific will soar between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) three times a week, whisking eager travellers away on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting July 16. This latest addition boosts Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Bangkok flights to a whopping 17 times weekly, making it easier than ever to experience the magic of Thailand.…
- Thailand News
Military’s risky rice plan revealed
Thailand’s Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang unveiled a bold plan regarding the nation’s rice surplus, promising to purchase rice stored under a contentious scheme. Responding to the alleged disclosure by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutin confirms that a portion of the 15,000-tonne rice stockpile could be destined for the bellies of military personnel. Sutin addressed concerns about oversupply.…
