Ryan Turner
- Visa Information
Thailand unveils new visa measures to boost tourism and economy
Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong revealed new visa issuance measures aimed at boosting tourism and stimulating Thailand’s economy, following a Cabinet meeting. While many specific details of the visas and potential regulations remain under wraps, more information is expected to be released early next month. The Thai Cabinet approved a comprehensive tourism policy to counteract the nation’s prolonged economic stagnation and…
- Thailand News
Increased rainfall unlikely to cause 2011-like floods, says ONWR
Increased rainfall expected in the coming weeks due to the La Nina phenomenon is unlikely to lead to a repeat of the devastating 2011 floods, according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). ONWR Chief Surasee Kittimonthon confirmed that weather reports predicting less frequent rain this year suggest a low likelihood of major flooding similar to the 2011…
- Thailand News
Phatthalung son kills mother after refusal to give him money
A tragic family dispute occurred in Phatthalung this morning, as a son violently stabbed both of his parents after they refused to give him money. This resulted in his mother’s death, and his father was left severely injured. Police in Pa Bon District, Phatthalung, received a distress call about a fatal stabbing at a house in Khuan Sai Subdistrict. Upon…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s 44,410 trillion baht mineral reserves unveiled
Thailand harbours over 30 trillion tonnes of mineral reserves, with 40 types of minerals, estimated at a staggering value of 44,410 trillion baht, which could prove pivotal for securing the country’s raw material needs in the coming years, according to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). In a recent press conference, the DMR Director-General, Phichit Sombatmak revealed that the National…
- Thailand News
Senator demands probe into Buriram election irregularities
The Election Commission (EC) was urged to fast-track an investigation into suspected irregularities in the provincial-level Senate elections held over the weekend, particularly in Buriram where certain candidates received an unexpectedly high number of votes from their peers. On Sunday, 23,645 candidates who had cleared the district-level selection on June 9 participated in the provincial-level vote across 77 provinces. Out…
- Thailand News
Political ally predicts court will dismiss Move Forward Party case
The Progressive Movement (PM), a key political ally of the Move Forward Party (MFP), outlined why it believes the Constitutional Court will dismiss the dissolution case against the MFP. PM’s Secretary-General, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul shared these reasons on his Facebook account. His message arrived just before the dissolution case against the party, which is set to begin today. Piyabutr accused the…
- Business News
Shifting gears: Thai auto parts makers urged to spark new path in medical devices
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging local auto parts manufacturers to adapt to the technological disruption caused by electric vehicles (EVs) and transition to producing medical devices, which are projected to have a promising future. According to the FTI, auto parts makers accustomed to internal combustion engines are finding it difficult to adapt to electric mobility technology, as…
- Thailand News
Ministry seeks 1billion baht tourism budget for new routes
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to request a 1 billion baht budget from the central emergency reserve fund to develop new tourism routes linking major cities to 55 notable destinations in a move to establish long-term tourism strategies. The proposed budget aims not only to organise events but to also develop new tourism routes and enhance infrastructure. Specifically,…
- Thailand News
Wildfires in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex reduced by 40%
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reported a significant reduction in wildfires within Thailand’s Western Forest Complex, attributing the success to integrated efforts from various sectors which reduced wildfires by over 40%. Director of Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression, Narupon Thipmonta revealed that the most affected area was the Srinakarin Dam National Park in Kanchanaburi Province.…
- Thailand News
Cancer patient narrowly avoids death after hospital’s negligence
A major Thailand hospital’s negligence nearly led to a patient’s death after some gauze was left inside her uterus during cancer treatment, causing severe infection. The patient’s son called for an explanation and accountability from the hospital. The incident came to light when the patient‘s son, revealed on Facebook that he had to urgently rush his mother back to the…
- Thailand News
RTP seize 36 million meth pills in major drug bust
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced a major crackdown on drug trafficking networks, where a series of drug busts resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects and the seizure of 36 million methamphetamine pills and 911 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. Assistant Commissioner-General, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, alongside officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, presented the results of the operation…
- Thailand News
Ambassadors from Islamic Cooperation visits South Thailand
A delegation of ambassadors from eight Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries recently visited Thailand’s southern border provinces, aiming to understand the region’s multicultural society and assess potential areas for trade, investment, tourism, and education. The delegation included ambassadors from Brunei, Egypt, and Iran, along with chargés d’affaires from Malaysia, Nigeria, and the Maldives. Deputy chiefs of mission from Indonesia…
- Phuket News
Thai police arrest four after ambush knife attack in Phuket
Thalang police apprehended four individuals in connection with a knife attack on a teenager in an ambush at the Heroines Monument in Phuket last Thursday. A resident of Cherng Talay, Natthakorn Kantaphong, recounted the events leading up to the attack. According to his statement, he was at the Saphan Hin gymnasium with his friends when he noticed his nemesis, Kandit…
- Thailand News
Puffball mushroom prices plummet to 30 baht as season ends
As the mushroom season approaches its end, the price of puffball mushrooms (Barometer Earthstar) has dropped drastically to as low as 30 baht per litre, with only the older variants featuring black interiors remaining available. Reports today confirm the winding down of the 2024 puffball mushroom season. These sought-after mushrooms, prized for their soft, white interiors and sweet, fragrant taste,…
- Thailand News
Police crack down on rotating illegal lending scheme in Trang
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers yesterday dismantled a major rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA) operation in Trang, arresting a married couple who were also running a comprehensive illegal money lending, and an unlicensed underground lottery gambling business. Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha today ordered relevant authorities to execute a search warrant for a house in Ratsada District, Trang…
- Thailand News
Thai govt extends free flu vaccinations for insured seniors
The Thai government urges individuals insured under Sections 33 and 39 of the Social Security Act who are 50 years old and above to receive free influenza vaccinations until December 31. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, reported that from January 1 to June 1, the number of influenza cases reached 139,326, with an incidence rate of…
- Business News
Thailand boosts SMEs growth in upcoming Synergy Expo 2024
Thailand is set to boost marketing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the newly announced Thailand SME Synergy Expo 2024. This five-day trade show, running from June 19 to 23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, is a collaborative effort by the Business Development Department (DBD), the Office of SMEs Promotion (Osmep), and several governmental…
- Thailand News
Match madness: Football fans ignite flares, burn car at Bangkok uni
An intense football match ended in chaos when fans set off flares, causing a vehicle to catch fire at the Thammasat University, Rangsit Centre. The incident left the car’s owner devastated, as the vehicle was uninsured and essential for daily work. The fire occurred at 9pm yesterday, June 16, following the conclusion of the Revo Cup final between Muangthong United…
- Pattaya News
South Koreans injured in Pattaya motorbike crash with Bolt rider
A South Korean tourist, livestreaming his motorbike ride around Pattaya with a friend, sustained injuries in a collision with a Thai Bolt rider early Sunday morning. The speeding Bolt rider suffered serious injuries. The incident took place at 2.20am yesterday at Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 9 on Pattaya Third Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Responding swiftly, the Sawang…
- Thailand News
Thunderstorms and weather alerts issued for 53 provinces
A weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported a southwest monsoon currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, with 53 provinces warned of heavy rain, especially in the eastern and southern regions. The Andaman Sea is experiencing waves up to 2 metres high, while Bangkok has a 60% chance of rain. The forecast noted…
- Thailand News
RTAF eyes SAAB Gripen jets to replace ageing F-16s
Thailand is considering replacing its ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets with SAAB’s Gripen models, as revealed during a recent tour of SAAB’s headquarters in Stockholm. Reporters from Thailand were given an extensive look at the Gripen E/F manufacturing line and a flight simulator, showcasing the modern technology and capabilities of the fighter jets. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)…
- Thailand News
Thailand celebrates marriage equality bill nearing final approval
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will host a reception tomorrow at Government House to celebrate the marriage equality bill as it nears final approval. Deputy Government spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri confirms that the event will see the 62 year old Thai prime minister, an array of VIPs, Cabinet members, and foreign envoys in attendance. Additionally, members of the Bangkok Pride task…
- Thailand News
Red-shirts rally at court to support Thaksin amid lese majeste case
Supporters of the red-shirt movement are set to gather at the Criminal Court tomorrow morning to show their support for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is due to hear the Office of the Attorney-General’s (OAG) decision on a lese majeste case against him. Despite reports indicating that the 74 year old Thaksin will not be present at the court,…
- Thailand News
Kalasin villagers launch rockets in ceremony to predict rainfall
Residents of Kalasin recently held a traditional ceremony to honour sacred spirits at the ancient site of Non Ban Kao, in Ban Tum Village, Yang Talat District. The event featured the launching of rockets to predict rainfall, a practice deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage. A member of the Bua Ban Subdistrict Municipality, Yada Phunasi, along with two village…
- Pattaya News
Motorcyclist dies in collision with passenger van in Pattaya
A fatal collision between a motorcycle and a van in Pattaya this morning resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. The Thai police are currently investigating the incident. At approximately 4.36am, June 14 the police received a report of a motorcycle crashing into a van at an intersection in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Officers, along…
- Phuket News
Phuket launches workshops to curb rising motorcycle fatalities
Phuket authorities initiated a series of workshops yesterday to address the increasing number of fatalities and injuries caused by road accidents, particularly focusing on motorcycle riders. The launch event took place at a hotel in Ratsada, with a significant turnout of district and community leaders. Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam introduced the initiative, part of the District Drive Project, aimed…
- Thailand News
Driver defends parking on bridge after collision injures motorcyclist
In the aftermath of a collision between a car and a motorcycle, a debate erupted regarding the decision of the sleepy driver to park his pickup on the bridge. At the accident scene, he argued that safety concerns drove his controversial choice. The incident took place at 6.30am yesterday, June 13 when police officers and rescue teams were called to…
- Business News
Revved up: Thai used car market set to accelerate
The used car market in Thailand is poised for growth in the latter half of this year as financial service providers may ease lending criteria for prospective buyers. According to the President of the Association of Used Cars, Vichai Suwanasilar, this development follows discussions about stringent loan conditions. “We talked about lending with banks and finance companies, which affects the…
- Thailand News
Thai energy firms question new power plan for carbon neutrality
Thailand’s energy firms expressed concerns that the revised power development plan (PDP) may fall short of the kingdom’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between practicality and optimism. The PDP, which is set to be enforced from 2024 to 2037, aims to promote greater use of renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, energy…
- Thailand News
Search efforts grow for missing lecturer at Srinakarin Dam
The search for the missing 41 year old former university lecturer Jaturaphut, known as “Ajarn Toey,” has intensified with foundations from across the country rallying together. Efforts to locate him will span three days, from today to Sunday, with generous support ensuring three meals a day for the search teams. Jaturaphut mysteriously disappeared while on a rafting trip with friends…
