- Thailand News
Teen arrested for opening fire in a motorcycle sale gone wrong
A teen was arrested for attempted murder and stealing a motorcycle after a sale gone wrong. The incident occurred on January 22 when the suspect, 19 year old Kittinan, and four accomplices orchestrated a motorcycle sale, which ended in violence. Yesterday, January 26, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and other senior officers ordered the arrest of Kittinan, wanted under a…
- Lifestyle
Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis?
Since the dawn of the new year, many provinces across Thailand have been grappling with a severe level of air pollution. As of January 24, Bangkok has been rated the fourth most polluted city in the world in terms of poor air quality by IQAir. The capital is often blanketed by a thick layer of smog, which has reminded some…
- Thailand News
Gender recognition bill considered for identity self-determination
The recently implemented Marriage Equality Bill is a significant step towards equal marriage rights for all, but many who registered their marriages last week are concerned that their gender title does not align with their gender identity, and are now advocating for a Gender Recognition Bill. The bill, if passed, would allow individuals to select their gender title and offer…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok braces for temperature drop as Chinese cold air mass hits
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a new cold air mass from China will affect Bangkok and cause temperatures to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius (°C). The dust and haze levels remain high but are expected to decrease. A high-pressure or cold air mass from China is spreading across northeastern Thailand and the upper South China Sea, resulting…
- Health
Why you need to wear a mask in Bangkok right now
As anyone who has spent time in Thailand, or other Asian cultures for that matter, I’m sure you have seen people wearing masks while in public in Bangkok. But why? The scare of Covid-19 has now long lost its saliency and fears among the general public have been diminished to a level comparable to a bad cold. Yet we still…
- Thailand News
Thailand locks in on crop burning with strict new measures
Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives announced strict new measures on January 17 to combat the growing PM2.5 air pollution crisis, with a particular focus on penalising farmers for crop burning. Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilatthayakorn signed the announcement, highlighting how agricultural burning has become a major contributor to the country’s deteriorating air quality. The practice generates smoke and fine particulate…
- Thailand News
Thaksin’s power tariff cut plan sparks debate on electricity pricing
Thaksin Shinawatra‘s proposal to lower the power tariff from 4.15 to 3.70 baht per kilowatt-hour has ignited a discussion on the future of electricity pricing, which has remained elevated since 2022. The adjustment of tariff rates directly impacts electricity bills, with a reduced tariff leading to lower costs for businesses and households. The former prime minister introduced the tariff reduction…
- Business News
Majority ineligible for Thailand’s debt relief programme
A significant number of borrowers have registered for the You Fight, We Help debt relief programme one month after its launch. However, a substantial portion of these applicants do not meet the eligibility criteria, as noted by banking officials. Kris Chantanotoke, Chief Executive of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), highlighted that some registrants do not qualify for the programme. Consequently, the…
- Environment News
Thailand plans five-year strategy to tackle PM2.5 pollution
Last week a workshop was held in Chiang Mai aimed at developing a five-year plan to combat PM2.5 pollution. The Office of the Science Promotion Commission, along with officials in Chiang Mai held the workshop on January 13 and 14, emphasising a change through research and innovation. Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn of Chiang Mai highlighted the importance of utilising research to…
- Thailand News
Thaksin plans one million homes for low-income Thais
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, announced plans to construct up to one million housing units for low-income Thai nationals. The announcement was made during a rally in Bueng Kan province. The government recently launched the Home for Thais scheme and Thaksin stated that around 31 million people…
- Thailand News
Thailand battles hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels in 28 provinces
Bangkok and 64 out of 76 provinces in Thailand experienced unsafe levels of PM2.5 dust pollution this morning, January 20, with 28 provinces reaching hazardous red levels. Samut Sakhon reported the most severe air pollution. According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), at 9am, PM2.5 levels reached hazardous levels in 28 provinces, with readings between 75.3 and…
- Aviation News
VietJet Thailand to boost fleet and expand routes by 2025
VietJet Thailand has announced plans to expand its fleet for 2025 by leasing additional aircraft, pumping up numbers from the current 18 planes currently in operation. This information comes from Pinyos Phibulsongkhram, the Director of Commercial Affairs for VietJet Thailand. This expansion aims to support the airline’s route enhancement, particularly focusing on international destinations. Initially, five new routes are planned:…
- Bangkok Travel
Why is the traffic in Bangkok so bad and can we avoid it at all?
There are but three things that are utterly unavoidable in life: death, taxes, and Bangkok’s notorious traffic. If you have lived in the capital city for any amount of time, one thing becomes abundantly clear, the gridlock traffic during commuting hours is sure to drive anyone crazy. American humorist, Evan Esar (1899 to 1995), was known to comment on the…
- News
South Korea to upgrade airport structures after Jeju Air crash
South Korea is set to enhance the structures housing the antennas that facilitate landings at its airports, following the December incident where a Jeju Air aeroplane crashed after skidding off the runway. The Boeing 737-800 hit one such structure at Muan Airport, leading to a fire. The Transport Ministry has been assessing safety at airlines and airports since the crash…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s new housing project targets lower income families
Lower-income Thai citizens will soon have access to an affordable housing project through the Homes for Thais initiative, which offers accommodation on state-owned land without requiring down payments. The programme instead implements a monthly rental system. The Transport Ministry will present the project details to Cabinet today, January 13. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will launch the initiative on Friday, January…
- Thailand News
Rice to the occasion: Commerce Ministry fast-tracks SME trade talks
The Commerce Ministry is moving to accelerate the liberalisation of rice trade, with a meeting planned for January 17. This session aims to finalise strategies to assist small enterprises in becoming rice exporters, targeting concrete outcomes in the first quarter of the year. During a meeting on January 10 to discuss pressing policies, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan instructed all departments…
- Thailand News
Forest fires in Pak Chong extinguished after eight-day battle
Forest fires on Khao Loi mountain in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, have been extinguished after burning for eight days. Officials suspect the fires were initiated to facilitate a wildlife hunt. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, stated that multiple agencies, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the Royal Forest Department, and local administration, collaborated…
- Phuket News
Phuket hit-and-run foreign driver caught after citizen’s pursuit (video)
A foreign national involved in a hit-and-run incident in Phuket was apprehended by the police after a pursuit by a concerned citizen. The incident occurred when the foreigner, driving a white Hyundai, collided with a motorcycle on the Thep Krasattri Road heading out of Mueang district, Thalang. The collision took place as the car attempted to cut in front of…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok man arrested for motorcycle theft after licence plate swap
A patrol unit from Phetkasem apprehended a 37 year old man for motorcycle theft, catching him in the act as he attempted to swap out the licence plate of the stolen motorcycle. The arrest occurred yesterday, January 12 at 3pm, in the Lak Song subdistrict, Bang Khae district, Bangkok. The suspect, 37 year old Chaiyot “Boy” Boonyawong, confessed to stealing…
- Thailand News
Thailand and China unite to tackle call centre scams and trafficking
Thailand and China have joined forces to combat call centre scams, human trafficking, and transnational crime, with a focus on locating missing individuals who have been deceived into travelling to neighbouring countries. A meeting was held yesterday, January 12 at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, attended by senior officials from both nations. Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, the National…
- Thailand News
Thailand commits to carbon neutrality despite COP29 setbacks
Thailand remains firmly committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions despite a lacklustre conclusion to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held recently in Baku, Azerbaijan. The country is determined to accelerate its progress towards carbon neutrality despite limited new financial agreements at the conference aimed at supporting developing nations in their climate change efforts. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai…
- Thailand News
Most Thais expect Paetongtarn to remain PM all year, poll shows
A recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicates that a majority of Thais foresee Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding the position of prime minister throughout the year. The survey, carried out over three days, involved 1,310 participants, offering insights into public opinion on the current political landscape. The results, released yesterday, January 5, reveal that 51.22% of…
- Thailand News
Over 436 deaths reported over the new year danger period
Over the ten-day new year danger period, over 436 road fatalities were reported, primarily due to speeding, with Bangkok recording the highest death toll. In contrast, three provinces noted zero deaths, reflecting varying regional impacts of road safety measures. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) held a press conference led by Interior Deputy Minister Songsak Thongsri, outlining the…
- Thailand News
250 Thai workers defrauded in Australian job scam
The Department of Employment in Thailand is urgently intervening to aid workers who have been defrauded while attempting to secure employment in Australia. The department identified the culprit and highlighted five legal methods for Thai workers seeking overseas employment. Yesterday, January 5, Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, addressed a recent incident involving 250…
- Phuket News
Kuwaiti tourist faces charges after drunken tantrum in Phuket
A violent outburst by a Kuwaiti tourist at Karon Beach, Phuket, resulted in multiple charges after he assaulted locals and caused public disorder on January 3. It was reported that he was heavily intoxicated at the time. The Kuwaiti tourist, later identified as 26 year old Ali Ashkanani, was detained following reports of aggressive behaviour near Karon Beach. Several residents…
- Thailand News
Thailand to develop cyber fraud insurance framework
Efforts to bolster Thailand’s cybersecurity are underway as the Office of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) is working on developing a cyber fraud insurance framework. This initiative aims to aid organisations in mitigating the risk associated with cyber-attacks and data breaches, a growing concern in the digital age. NCSA Secretary General Amorn Chomchoey explained that the framework could reinforce…
- Pattaya News
Guide lines crossed: Pattaya cops nab four for illegal tour guiding
Police in Pattaya apprehended four people for allegedly working illegally as tour guides. The arrest occurred after local police acted on intelligence suggesting foreign nationals were conducting unauthorised guide activities in the area. Police surveillance was conducted at Laem Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya where tourists can get a ferry to the nearby island of Koh Larn, a popular…
- Pattaya News
Locals question legality of luxury camping tents on Jomtien Beach
Camping tents and luxury setups on Jomtien Beach has whipped locals into a frenzy, expressing concerns over its legality. On January 4, residents in Pattaya reported these tent installations along the Jomtien stretch, questioning their compliance with Thai laws and regulations. Upon investigation, it was discovered that several businesses had transformed sections of Jomtien Beach into makeshift camping grounds with…
- Thailand News
A year in review 2024 – Thaiger’s top stories in Thailand
As 2024 ends, we look back at the top stories on the Thaiger. From the Sukhumvit clash between Thai and Filipina transgender groups to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s luxury stay in Phuket, this year was filled with headlines that captured the attention of all of you. Highlights also include the Bangkok-to-Beijing railway launch, updated foreign land ownership laws, and…
- Thailand News
NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
