Ryan Turner
- Phuket News
Phuket aims for carbon neutrality in Old Town by 2030
Phuket has embarked on an ambitious journey towards sustainable tourism with the introduction of the Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 initiative. This project aims to establish the historic old town as Thailand’s first carbon-neutral area by the year 2030. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, representing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officiated the launch of this initiative at the 72nd…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand prepares for heavy monsoon rains in 11 provinces
Thailand braces for severe weather conditions as monsoons are set to batter 11 provinces with heavy to very heavy rainfall, causing potential flash floods and forest run-off. The Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for people to exercise caution due to the changing weather conditions. TMD forecasts that in the next 24 hours, the high-pressure area or moderate cold air…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s automotive production lowest since pandemic
Thailand’s automotive sector faces a significant downturn in 2024, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) projecting annual vehicle production to hit 1.5 million units, marking the lowest output since 2021’s pandemic-affected figures. Speaking at a briefing today, November 25, FTI automotive industry group spokesperson Surapong Paisitpatnapong announced this second downward revision of the year. The federation had previously lowered…
- Thailand News
THG distances from former chairman’s fraud allegations
In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) today, November 25, Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) Plc affirmed that its operations remain unaffected by the alleged fraud scandal surrounding its former chairman, Doctor Boon Vanasin, and his family members. The healthcare group emphasised that Dr Boon stepped down from his positions as chairman and director in August 2022, and…
- Thailand News
Thailand reviews N3 lottery’s impact on underground gambling
The Government of Thailand is reviewing the effectiveness of its three-digit lottery ticket, known as N3, to determine if it can counteract the prevalence of underground lotteries. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed that the Government Lottery Office (GLO) is currently conducting a trial of N3 tickets through a sandbox system, with two rounds already underway. However, the trial has…
- Thailand News
Israeli food tech could elevate Thailand’s agriculture sector
Israeli food technology has the potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s agriculture sector, according to Israeli Ambassador Orna Sagiv. Speaking at the Savor the Future of Food: Satisfy Your Hunger with Israel’s Innovation event in Bangkok held recently, Sagiv highlighted Thailand’s vital role as the kitchen of the world, emphasising its major contributions to food production and supply on a global scale.…
- Thailand News
ASEAN airlines soars with regional stopover rights in 2025
Southeast Asian airlines will soon have the freedom to make multiple stops within ASEAN member states, marking a significant shift from current regulations that only permit direct return flights between destinations. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that this change will be implemented once all ASEAN member states sign Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights. Loke explained in a press…
- Aviation News
Airline satisfaction steady, tech investment urged by IATA
Airline passenger satisfaction has maintained a high level of stability this year, according to findings from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Despite this consistency, the association has highlighted the need for further investment in technology to better meet customer demands. Insights from IATA’s Global Passenger Survey 2024, based on feedback from over 10,000 respondents across 200 countries, revealed that…
- Thailand News
BMW takes wrong turn: Car-napped and pawned in joyride mix-up
A BMW was taken for a ride without permission and ended up severely damaged after being pawned at a well-known garage in Nonthaburi. The owner of the garage refused to pay for repairs, suggesting that the car owner should seek damages from the employee responsible. Yesterday, November 24, at the Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi, 55 year old…
- Thailand News
Man shoots colleague in Si Racha restaurant after argument
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday evening in a restaurant in the Thung Sukhla area of Si Racha, Chon Buri, as a factory worker shot his senior colleague amidst a heated argument. Police later apprehended the suspect at his girlfriend’s house. CCTV footage captured the dramatic turn of events where approximately five colleagues, including the suspect, Phrommongkol, were drinking beer at…
- Thailand News
Bangkok police gets medical training to enhance emergency skills
The Police Hospital in Bangkok is enhancing the tactical medical skills of officers through a comprehensive training programme. The initiative aims to increase the capabilities of police in handling tactical medical emergencies. The training, known as Police Tactical Emergency Care (PTEC), involves 240 officers, divided into four groups of 60. The primary goal of this programme is to equip police…
- Thailand News
Patong’s traffic issues persist due to private road ownership
Patong’s traffic woes continue to frustrate local government agencies as Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri highlights the challenges faced due to private ownership of Soi Saensabai. The notorious Phuket street is known for traffic congestion and safety hazards and has seen several pedestrian injuries, including those involving foreign tourists. The inability of Patong Municipality to impose any regulations or initiate improvements on…
- Northern Thailand News
PM leads Chiang Mai meeting to boost post-flood tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to lead a Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai on Friday, November 29, marking a significant effort to bolster northern Thailand’s tourism and economic recovery following severe floods. This event is part of a broader Cabinet tour of the northern provinces, including Chiang Rai, scheduled from November 28 to December 1. The Cabinet meeting in…
- Thailand News
Labour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively advocating for a legislative measure to enhance the protection and welfare of approximately 20 million informal workers, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson. The Labour Ministry is preparing to engage in discussions with the Cabinet’s secretary-general to determine the appropriate timeline for presenting the bill to the Cabinet for consideration. Phumiphat Mueanchan…
- Bangkok News
Thai PM yet to unveil new stimulus to boost economic growth
After nearly three months in office, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to influence Thailand’s economic growth through a series of new stimulus proposals. These measures aim to address various economic challenges and are anticipated to be unveiled shortly. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently projected Thailand’s GDP growth to be between 2.3% and 3.3% for 2025,…
- Thailand News
Thailand to expand child support to all under six years old
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is poised to propose an expansion of the early childhood development scheme, with plans to present the child support proposal to the Cabinet shortly. The scheme aims to broaden its reach by extending financial support to all children under six years of age, enhancing the current system that aids children from impoverished…
- Thailand News
Phetchabun police detain 722 in motorcycle gang crackdown
Police in Phetchabun detained 722 people linked to the Nam Mai Aab motorcycle gang gathering, roughly translating to no showering or no bathing. Over 10,000 participants and 6,000 motorcycles assembled in the province, prompting police action to maintain order and ensure public safety. The gathering took place over two days, with Phetchabun’s Provincial Police Commander, Saranai Kongmuang, directing units to…
- Thailand News
Monk defrocked after drug raid at Khon Kaen monastic site
Police swooped on a monastic site in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province, following complaints from villagers about non-monastic activities. One monk was found with a positive drug test and was immediately defrocked. The incident took place yesterday, November 23, when Aoychai Khamboonruang, the district chief of Chum Phae, along with Rakchat Rueangcharoen, the superintendent of Chum Phae Police Station,…
- Thailand News
Teenagers injured in Samut Prakan street chase shooting
Two former vocational students became embroiled in a dramatic street chase in Samut Prakan, pursued and shot by rivals from a different institution. Both teenagers suffered injuries in the incident and managed to escape to a convenience store for help. The shooting occurred yesterday, November 23 at 7.30pm outside a convenience store in Si Racha Kraeng Noi, Bang Sao Thong…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya host bar raided for late-night operations breach
Police in Pattaya took decisive action early today, November 24, conducting a raid on a host bar in South Pattaya that was reportedly operating beyond legal hours. The operation, involving Pattaya Police and Bang Lamung officers, occurred at 3.16am amid allegations that the venue was flouting local regulations. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the bar was still bustling with activity…
- Bangkok News
Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluck’s planned return
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to “face her legal obligations” in Thailand without requesting special treatment, according to Worachai Hema, an ex-member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party from Samut Prakan. Worachai, who serves on Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatra’s media interview discussing his sister Yingluck’s anticipated return before Songkran 2025.…
- Thailand News
Thai medical council lawsuit threatens free medicine scheme
The ongoing legal tussle between the Medical Council of Thailand and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) over the provision of free medicine under the universal healthcare scheme is causing alarm among civil society groups. The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is urging the Medical Council to reconsider its lawsuit, which challenges the NHSO’s policy of distributing free medication for 16…
- Thailand News
Over 6,000 motorcyclists cause ruckus in Phetchabun trip
A group of Thai bikers recently descended upon Phetchabun during a trip titled the No Bathing Trip, drawing attention for boosting the local economy while also raising safety concerns. The event, which saw around 6,000 motorcycles and tens of thousands of participants, aimed to explore attractions like Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho. However, the trip was not without incident, as…
- South Thailand News
French tourist missing after boat capsizes in Surat Thani
A French tourist has been reported missing following the capsizing of a tour boat in Surat Thani’s Rajjaprabha Dam reservoir. The incident occurred yesterday, November 23, when strong winds and high waves overturned the vessel carrying 13 people, including 10 French tourists, a tour guide, a caregiver, and the boat operator. Rene Mary Corre, whose age remains unknown, was part…
- News
Laos govt speaks on ‘mass methanol poisoning’ that left 6 dead
The Laotian government announced deep sorrow over the tragic loss of six foreign lives to methanol poisoning in a popular backpackers’ bar in Vang Viang and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the deadly incident. Two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19 years old, succumbed to suspected methanol poisoning…
- Phuket News
Wichit, Phuket set to face water supply outages
A significant water supply outage is set to impact a large area of Phuket on Thursday, November 28. The outage, scheduled from 9am to 11.30pm, is necessary to facilitate essential repairs to a 400mm HDPE water supply main in key areas. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Phuket urges residents and businesses in the affected areas to take the following precautions.…
- Thailand News
Police raid tiger trafficking ring in Nonthaburi
Police recently raided a tiger carcass trafficking ring in Nonthaburi, discovering a large tiger skin openly advertised for sale on social media. This operation followed a tip-off received yesterday, November 23, prompting swift action from local and international wildlife protection agencies. Attaphol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, noted that the raid was part…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cash handout scheme faces scrutiny before elections
The second phase of Thailand’s 10,000-baht cash handout scheme is under scrutiny for potentially breaching legal boundaries, as the government plans to distribute the funds to four million elderly citizens during the Chinese New Year, just days before the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections. This timing has sparked concerns about its potential influence on the upcoming election outcomes. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn,…
- Thailand News
Chon Buri woman narrowly escapes GPS misdirection into ditch
A young woman narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation after her GPS directed her into a water-filled ditch while she was trying to visit a friend’s home. The incident occurred yesterday, November 21, at approximately 7pm in Ban Choet, Phanat Nikhom District, Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers from Sawang Het Thung Hiang were called to help extract a motorcycle from a…
- Aviation News
AirAsia plans low-cost hubs in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur
Well-known discount airline AirAsia is setting its sights on replicating the global connectivity success of Dubai but with a low-cost twist centred in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. After navigating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline is eager to expand its network and leave its tumultuous past during the pandemic behind. Tony Fernandes, the founder of AirAsia, envisions using…
