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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…
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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…
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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:…
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Thailand News
Thailand’s UNHRC role challenged by human rights shortfalls, says advocate
As a newly elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Thailand faces the need to elevate its human rights performance to align with international standards, according to a Thai human rights advocate. Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), discussed Thailand’s human rights situation on January 17 at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Thailand News
Protesters accuse Thai govt of favouring Thaksin in hospital stay
A group of protesters plans to submit a letter to the government, criticising it for allegedly granting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra special treatment at Police General Hospital last year. Thaksin, who was meant to be serving a prison sentence for abuse of power, was reportedly allowed to remain in hospital instead, according to former red shirt leader, 58 year…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Thailand News
Man escapes as car with LPG system catches fire
A man escaped unharmed when his car, a Honda Accord, equipped with an LPG system, caught fire shortly after he started the engine. The incident occurred at 7pm yesterday, January 12 at a parking lot behind Thammasat University Examination Centre in Rangsit, Pathum Thani province. An LPG system in a car is a fuel system that allows the vehicle to…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Thailand News
Thaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has put to rest rumours suggesting the potential dismissal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in the next Cabinet reshuffle. Yesterday, January 5, Thaksin clarified that no such reshuffle is currently planned. Pirapan, for his part, denied any discord with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Thailand News
Cold front, hot topic: Thailand braces for a temperature tumble
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning about a significant drop in temperature across Thailand due to a cold air mass, leading to cooler weather across various regions. Affected areas include the northern, northeastern, and central parts of the country, with particularly frigid conditions on mountaintops. The TMD reported a northeast monsoon sweeping across the Gulf of Thailand,…
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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…
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Thailand News
Thailand imposes stricter penalties for unpaid tolls
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to enforce stricter penalties for unpaid tolls starting January 1, 2025. Drivers who fail to pay tolls will face fines up to ten times the toll fee, with a maximum of 2,000 baht per incident. This new regulation is part of the enforcement of Section 63 of the EXAT Act of 2007,…
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South Thailand News
Supermodel recalls surviving 2004 tsunami after 20 years
Twenty years after surviving the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, supermodel Petra Nemcova revisited her harrowing experience in a recent Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer. Nemcova, now 45 years old, was vacationing at Thailand’s Khao Lak resort with her boyfriend, photographer Simon Atlee, when the tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. The massive waves, triggered by an undersea…
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Thailand News
Thai police collaborate with UK to improve detainee conditions
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has joined forces with the United Kingdom to enhance custody procedures and improve the living conditions for detainees at police stations across Thailand. This collaborative project aims to adopt a UK-based model to uplift safety standards and quality of life for those held in custody. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the inspector-general of the RTP, recently…
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Thailand News
Shots fired at cockfighting arena after million baht bet (video)
Shots rang out at a cockfighting arena in Nakhon Pathom as a group reportedly lost a high-stakes bet of around a million baht. Law enforcement launched a manhunt for three armed suspects involved in the incident. Two suspects have already been detained, with police vowing to bring the remaining perpetrators to justice. The incident, which occurred when a group lost…
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Thailand News
MPs urged to prioritise urgent bills in packed Parliamentary session
Chief government whip Wisut Chainarun is optimistic that the House will successfully scrutinise approximately 20 urgent bills during the current Parliamentary session. This session, which commenced yesterday, December 22, has a packed agenda with bills of significant economic and social impact awaiting approval. The urgent bills include legislation on fisheries, aimed at tackling industry challenges, and a bill to introduce…
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Pattaya News
Crackdown in Jomtien, Pattaya, nabs over 50 for drug offences
A major crackdown operation dubbed Purge the Parasites Part 2 was conducted in Jomtien, Pattaya, targeting crime and drug-related offences. Over 50 individuals involved in drug possession and consumption were apprehended during the raid, which took place yesterday, December 22. The operation was spearheaded by Tawatchai Jindakawornsanong, the Chon Buri Provincial Police Commander. The operation involved a massive deployment of over 900…
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Aviation News
Malaysia Airlines grounds Airbus A330neo after technical issues
Malaysia Airlines has temporarily grounded its newly acquired Airbus A330neo aircraft due to technical problems, as reported by the Business Times. Following its debut flight to Melbourne, the aircraft experienced multiple technical issues, prompting the airline to take swift action. The national carrier of Malaysia received the Airbus A330neo at the end of November and has plans to acquire an…
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Thailand News
Pathum Thani shop offers splash of petrol to locals, free of charge
A motorcycle shop owner in Pathum Thani has generously offered free petrol to locals, leading to long queues of motorbikes stretching over 500 metres. This gesture, not tied to any festival or condition, aims to alleviate financial burdens. Residents, motorcycle taxi drivers, and delivery riders gathered in front of the Nuanakorn Motorcycles shop on the road alongside Klong Sam to…
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Thailand News
Twenty years on, waves of Tsunami trauma still echoes in Phang Nga
Twenty years after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, survivors in Thailand’s Ban Nam Khem village in Phan Nga province still carry vivid memories of that fateful December morning. For Neungduangjai Sritrakarn, then a 20 year old college freshman, the day began with her mother’s urgent warning to evacuate their seaside home. Sensing danger from unusual whitecaps on the Andaman…