Ryan Turner
- 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,…
- Politics News
Ukraine peace summit show different priorities for Asian leaders
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Switzerland on June 15 to address the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, saw limited participation from Asian nations. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, one of the few Asian leaders in attendance, called for global collaboration to establish a “fair and lasting peace” in Ukraine. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal for broader Asian leader…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Contractor arrested in Rayong for series of theft and fraud
Following a warrant by the Rayong Provincial Court earlier this month, Bangkok police arrested a contractor in Ramkhamhaeng yesterday for a series of thefts and fraud extending to government contracts. Investigations revealed that the 50 year old construction company owner, Thanik, who had been operating in Rayong since 2018, reportedly had a history of abandoning projects. In 2019, he allegedly…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Father shoots two sons, younger child dead, elder critical
A tragic incident unfolded in Sukhothai when a father shot his two sons following a family altercation with his wife, resulting in the death of the younger child and leaving the elder in critical condition. The father, identified as Danai attempted to harm himself following the shooting. The event took place in a village in Ban Na Subdistrict, Si Samrong…
- 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…
- 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
Thai officers arrest extortionists posing as police in Samut Sakhon
Thai Crime Suppression officers raided a location in Samut Sakhon to arrest a group of men extorting money from kratom juice vendors and fuel smugglers. The operation took place today and revealed a scheme where the extortionists posed as police officers to carry out their illegal activities. Police reports indicate that on May 29, a group of men, donning Central…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Cyber police arrest online loan shark charging 3% daily interest
Cyber police raided and arrested an online loan shark charging exorbitant interest rates of 3% per day, threatening, shaming, and destroying the property of those who failed to pay. They seized numerous items of evidence. The operation took place yesterday under the command of Cyber Police Chief, Worawat Watnakornbancha who instructed relevant authorities to execute a search warrant issued by…
- 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…
- 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
Digital wallet scheme to include smartphones purchases
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the distribution of a 10,000 baht digital wallet can be used to purchase smartphones, which are seen as essential livelihood tools by the minister. Deputy Minister of Finance Chulpan Amornwiwat provided an update on the progress of the 10,000 baht top-up project through digital wallets. He announced that an operational subcommittee meeting is scheduled…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Heart attack victim in Bangkok Chit saved in the nick of time
Police officers successfully performed CPR on a heart attack patient, after the automated external defibrillator (AED) had failed, saving his life just in time. The incident occurred across the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, Bangkok yesterday after authorities received an emergency call at 5pm. Upon arrival, authorities found the man unresponsive with symptoms indicating a possible heart attack. Fortunately, a…
- Thailand News
Majority oppose Thai amnesty bill in online survey
A significant majority of people surveyed by the Secretariat of the House of Representatives expressed opposition to a bill sponsored by civil society groups that seeks amnesty in political and lese majeste cases dating back to September 2006. The month-long online survey concluded with 64.66% of participants rejecting the bill, while 35.34% were in favour. Some 90,503 respondents took part…
- Thailand News
Bangkok to launch raids on illegal pet markets after tragic fire
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced it will launch raids on unauthorised pet markets across the city following a devastating blaze at a Chatuchak district pet market that resulted in the death of over 5,000 animals. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside BMA representatives and an animal protection organisation network, addressed the media on Wednesday regarding the fire at Sri Somrat Market.…
- Thailand News
Thailand to send 1,200 farm workers to Israel despite conflict
In an effort to boost collaborative efforts between the two nations, Thailand’s Department of Employment will send 1,200 workers to Israel, following an agreement with the nation to accommodate 5,000 Thai workers between June and December. Department of Employment Director-General Somchai Morakotsriwan announced the decision yesterday, June 13, lifting the moratorium on sending Thai workers to Israel despite the ongoing…
- Thailand News
Data breach of over 20,000 Senate applicants investigated
A major data breach involving personal information from over 20,000 applicants for the Senate election is under investigation by the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand. The leak occurred soon after the district-level voting on June 9. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee confirmed that the data was compromised through file formats integrated into the system by an unidentified agency. The EC is…
- Thailand News
Plan to end monkey business in Lopburi faces roadblock
The Thai authorities in Lopburi have captured more than 1,000 monkeys causing disruptions for locals and tourists, but issues of insufficient care facilities have arisen, prompting an urgent budget from the Ministry of Interior. The capture initiative started in mid-May and involved setting up cages to trap the monkeys, which are then given health checks, sterilised, and relocated to a sanctuary.…
