Ryan Turner

Ryan is a journalism student from Mahidol University with a passion for history, writing and delivering news content with a rich storytelling narrative.
  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai governor faces probe for absences during flood crisis

    Chiang Rai governor faces probe for absences during flood crisis

    Thailandโ€™s Interior Ministry has initiated a disciplinary investigation against the outgoing Chiang Rai governor, Puttipong Sirimart, after his repeated absences during critical flood-relief operations in the province. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the probe yesterday, September 29, just one day before Puttipongโ€™s scheduled retirement. Anutin, who had previously ordered an investigation into Puttipongโ€™s absences in lateโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsSolar power push: A bright idea to boost clean energy at home

    Solar power push: A bright idea to boost clean energy at home

    The National Energy Policy Administration Committee are deliberating an increase in the purchase of solar power from households to bolster clean energy initiatives and promote the installation of rooftop solar panels, according to an energy official. The committee had previously sanctioned a plan to acquire 90 megawatts (MW) of solar power from homeowners, spanning from 2021 to 2030. Recent advocacyโ€ฆ

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for severe weather with heavy rain, strong winds

    Thailand braces for severe weather with heavy rain, strong winds

    Thailand faces severe weather conditions today, as the Meteorological Department (TMD) issues warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flash floods across 51 provinces. The northern and northeastern regions are expected to be particularly affected, with rain predicted to cover 70% of these areas. TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours, declaring that a moderate southwest monsoonโ€ฆ

  • GuidesHow foreign friendly is Thailand?

    How foreign friendly is Thailand?

    Thailand does not bear the Land of Smiles for no reason, the Kingdom has long been known as a friendly destination, with a welcoming attitude to travellers from all across the world. Foreigners are guaranteed to have a great time on their travels across Thailand, but how foreign friendly is this Southeast Asian gem? Overall friendliness At the very heartโ€ฆ

  • Bangkok TravelWhere to get cheap electronics in Bangkok in 2024

    Where to get cheap electronics in Bangkok in 2024

    Have you ever wondered why just a charging cable for your iPhone is costing you upwards of a thousand baht? Well, itโ€™s because you are looking for cheap electronics in all the wrong places. In our digital age, there is certainly no escaping technology and electronics, and as certain technologies get pushed further into the mainstream, we see prices alsoโ€ฆ

  • Northern Thailand NewsMan arrested for snatching gold necklaces, attempts to ordain

    Man arrested for snatching gold necklaces, attempts to ordain

    After trying to escape to a temple, a man has been arrested for a series of gold necklace snatchings in Nong Khai and Bueng Kan provinces. Originally from Udon Thani, 31 year old Anurak was living with his wife in Bueng Kan. On September 10, Anurak targeted a female government employee at the Bueng Kan Government Complex, attempting to snatchโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsChula university cancels launch of book critical of Thai military

    Chula university cancels launch of book critical of Thai military

    Chulalongkorn University cancelled plans to host a seminar and book launch for a publication by one of its scholars, Doctor Puangthong Pawakapan, which discusses the role of the Thai military. The event, originally scheduled for this upcoming Friday, September 28, has been moved to the Jim Thompson Museum instead of being held on campus as originally planned. Dr Puangthong, anโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsAlmost 1,000 Thai military officers reassigned in major reshuffle

    Almost 1,000 Thai military officers reassigned in major reshuffle

    The Government of Thailand announced the transfer of 808 military officers to new posts in this yearโ€™s annual military reshuffle, including the new chiefs of the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy. These changes come as the current leaders are set to retire at the end of this month. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra submitted the list for royalโ€ฆ

  • Business NewsThailand seeks ITU extension for satellite orbital slot until 2025

    Thailand seeks ITU extension for satellite orbital slot until 2025

    Thailandโ€™s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is seeking a one-year extension from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to continue using the 50.5ยฐ East satellite orbital slot beyond its expiration on November 27. The request is part of a broader effort to finalise the awarding of rights for two unsold orbital slot packages, including the 142ยฐ East slot and aโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai Party bets on casino plan to cash in on tax revenue

    Pheu Thai Party bets on casino plan to cash in on tax revenue

    The ruling Pheu Thai Party defended its proposed casino-entertainment complex project, asserting that it will legalise underground gambling activities and enable the government to collect tax revenue. A statement on Pheu Thaiโ€™s webpage released yesterday, September 22, indicated that legalising underground gambling and taxing the project could contribute more than 50% of GDP, thereby boosting the economy and funding educationโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsCaught in a pickle: Pattaya thief bites off more than he can chew

    Caught in a pickle: Pattaya thief bites off more than he can chew

    A man in Pattaya found himself in deep trouble after breaking into a restaurant and stealing cash, only to discover it was owned by a narcotics officer. Bang Lamung police arrested 23 year old Kittichai Sukthanom at a residence in Soi Nong Hin, Nongprue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Police seized a stolen Bluetooth speaker and a blueโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsCondor resumes direct flights from Frankfurt to Thailand

    Condor resumes direct flights from Frankfurt to Thailand

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt, Germany, to Phuket International Airport yesterday, September 22, marking the resumption of direct flights by Condor after a pandemic-induced hiatus. This significant event is expected to contribute to the recovery of Thailandโ€™s tourism sector, with TAT predicting over 979,000 German tourists to visit Thailand this year, generating anโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsNew facial scan system leaves elderly Thai couple without welfare

    New facial scan system leaves elderly Thai couple without welfare

    An elderly couple in Buriram, who are heavily reliant on their state welfare cards, faced a significant hurdle with the new system requiring facial scans for verification. The couple, Lom Chaisuwan who is bedridden, and his 87 year old wife, anxiously await the outcome as their monthly welfare is a crucial part of their livelihood. Yesterday, September 22, Lom, residingโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsMonk with sword causes stir in Bangkok’s Lad Ya area (video)

    Monk with sword causes stir in Bangkokโ€™s Lad Ya area (video)

    A monk wielding a sword caused a commotion in the Lad Ya area, Bangkok, late last night. Residents alerted the police, leading to a tense situation before the individual was taken into custody for questioning. A startling incident unfolded yesterday, September 22, when a man dressed as a monk was seen walking in the middle of Lad Ya Road, brandishingโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsTeacher with air gun causes chaos at Chumphon college

    Teacher with air gun causes chaos at Chumphon college

    A dramatic incident unfolded today at a vocational college in Chumphon, where a teacher brandishing a gun threatened students and faculty members. Police were called to de-escalate the situation, which took over an hour before the teacher calmed down. The emergency call was received at 8.30am, today, September 23, reporting a disturbance at the college located on the Chumphon-Pathio Roadโ€ฆ

  • Thai Law NewsNew law mandates urine, blood tests for driver alcohol checks

    New law mandates urine, blood tests for driver alcohol checks

    The Thai Government Gazette published a new ministerial regulation to include urine and blood tests for measuring alcohol levels in drivers when breathalyser tests are not possible. This regulation aims to enhance road safety and ensure accurate alcohol detection in drivers. The regulation, dated today, September 23, was issued under the authority of the Road Traffic Act of 1979, whichโ€ฆ

  • Business NewsMama noodles maker supports 400 baht minimum wage hike

    Mama noodles maker supports 400 baht minimum wage hike

    Thai President Foods PLC, the producer of Mama instant noodles, expressed no opposition to the proposed minimum wage increase to 400 baht, according to Managing Director Phan Phaniangwet. He urged the Thai government to finalise the decision promptly, citing the recent volatility of the Thai baht. The bahtโ€™s rapid appreciation in recent weeks has had mixed effects on the company.โ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsThailand explores salary reforms amid rising civil service costs

    Thailand explores salary reforms amid rising civil service costs

    The Comptroller-Generalโ€™s Department, the Budget Bureau, and the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) are actively exploring reforms to salaries and benefits across all government sectors. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, Director-General of the Comptroller-Generalโ€™s Department, highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue due to the substantial budget allocated for these expenses. She noted that the governmentโ€™s fiscal health and long-term fiscalโ€ฆ

  • Bangkok NewsThailand seizes 5 billion baht in assets targeting fraud, corruption

    Thailand seizes 5 billion baht in assets targeting fraud, corruption

    Thailandโ€™s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized over 5 billion baht in assets this year, targeting fraud, online gambling, and corruption. AMLO Secretary-General Theppasu Bavornchotidara, along with Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) assistant Secretary-General, Bhumivisan Kasemsook, disclosed the outcomes of the yearโ€™s 11th AMLO Transaction Committee meeting. A total of 12,300 assets, valued at 4.5 billion baht, were confiscated in 48โ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsRules eased to attract super yachts to Thai waters

    Rules eased to attract super yachts to Thai waters

    Thailandโ€™s Transport Ministry relaxed regulations to permit larger cruise ships or super yachts, to operate in Thai waters, aiming to establish the country as a premier marina hub in Asia. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, September 22, that the Marine Department recently revised a regulation concerning the arrival of super yachts and sports boats. According to Manaporn, this change isโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsRain it in! Thailand braces for a deluge of trouble

    Rain it in! Thailand braces for a deluge of trouble

    Heavy rainfall is expected across Thailand, with 80% of the country set to experience severe weather. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings for potential flash floods and sudden surges of water, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas. The TMD forecasts continuous rain for the next 24 hours, with heavy downpours in several regions. The lower northern, northeastern, central, andโ€ฆ

  • EventsAfter last yearโ€™s success, Iyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok returns with the annual September 2 Remember fair

    After last yearโ€™s success, Iyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok returns with the annual September 2 Remember fair

    If youโ€™re in Bangkok and looking for something exciting to do, get ready to wrap up September with a special event thatโ€™s bound to bring smiles all around. The September 2 Remember Carnival Fair at lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok promises a day packed with fun, entertainment, and good vibes for everyone. Hosted by Iyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, the carnival fairโ€ฆ

  • Eastern Thailand NewsUbon Ratchathani prepares for Mekong River flood threat

    Ubon Ratchathani prepares for Mekong River flood threat

    Ubon Ratchathaniโ€™s governor has instructed all relevant departments to prepare for the imminent overflow of the Mekong River and its tributaries, expected to inundate five districts in four days. Today, September 16, Suphasit Kochareonyot, Ubon Ratchathani governor, along with disaster prevention and mitigation officials, inspected the Khong Chiam district, where the Mekong River converges with the Mun River. The Mekongโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsChef’s beef: Thai hotel cook fumes over boozy neighbour’s foul play

    Chefโ€™s beef: Thai hotel cook fumes over boozy neighbourโ€™s foul play

    A renowned hotel chef in Phatthalung expressed his frustration over his neighbourโ€™s disruptive behaviour. The neighbour, a physical education teacher and habitual drinker, frequently shouts insults, raises his middle finger at security cameras, and claims he can do whatever he wants in the area. The chef, 43 year old Weerapong, who works at a well-known hotel, shared his distress withโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsRaid on loan shark reveals unlicensed meatball factory in Saraburi

    Raid on loan shark reveals unlicensed meatball factory in Saraburi

    Police conducted a raid on an illegal loan shark operation, uncovering an unlicensed meatball factory in Saraburi. The suspect, Pim, denied all allegations and requested to defend herself in court. Police Colonel Kraison Sriampon and Police Lieutenant Colonel Krisanapong Temiyasuwan, alongside Saraburiโ€™s investigative team and officers from Wang Muang Police Station, acted on a tip about a loan shark operationโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsMysterious odour leads to discovery of decomposed body

    Mysterious odour leads to discovery of decomposed body

    A strong odour led neighbours to discover a decomposed body in a house after the occupant had been missing for over a week. The deceased, 60 year old Thanakrit, was found naked without any signs of struggle. At 10.30am yesterday, September 15, Police Lieutenant Nattawat Ladawan, an investigator at Udon Thani City Police Station, received a report about a bodyโ€ฆ

  • NewsUncle Roger sets world record with largest gathering of fans

    Uncle Roger sets world record with largest gathering of fans

    Uncle Roger, the famous Malaysian comedian and YouTube star, continued his recent success by opening a restaurant and inviting fans to dress up like him in an attempt to set a world record for the largest gathering of fans. This past week has been exceptionally fruitful for him. Not only did he launch his new eatery, FUIYOH! Itโ€™s Uncle Roger,โ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsWoman in distress threatens rescuers after driving into ditch

    Woman in distress threatens rescuers after driving into ditch

    A dramatic rescue unfolded at the weekend, as a woman, in a state of distress, drove her car into a roadside ditch and threatened rescuers with a knife. Emergency responders and police officers managed to subdue her, averting a potentially dangerous situation. Emergency services in Trat province were alerted to a car accident on Sukhumvit Road yesterday, September 15. Respondersโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsActivist Mike Rayong leaves Thailand, citing safety and freedom

    Activist Mike Rayong leaves Thailand, citing safety and freedom

    Mike Rayong, a Thai activist known formally as Panupong Jadnok, shared an emotional account of his decision to leave Thailand, primarily driven by a desire for safety and greater freedom. The activist expressed his pain at leaving behind his mother and homeland. Panupong took to Facebook to explain his heart-wrenching decision to leave his home country. He addressed his followersโ€ฆ

  • Thailand NewsUrgent steps needed for mud removal in post-flood Chiang Rai

    Urgent steps needed for mud removal in post-flood Chiang Rai

    Combating post-flood mud in Chiang Rai requires urgency and efficiency, with recommendations to act before the mud hardens. Sombat Boonngamanong of the Mirror Foundation shared ten practical steps for cleaning homes after flooding, focusing on effective mud removal. Floodwaters have receded in Chiang Rai, leaving behind layers of mud that have even reached rooftops in some areas. The first taskโ€ฆ