- Bangkok News
Expressway chaos: Bangkok traffic mayhem as flyover tumbles
Transport chiefs in Thailand have urged motorists to seek alternative routes after a key section of the Bangkok–Thon Buri expressway collapsed on Saturday, causing traffic bedlam and blocking crucial ramps. Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) chief Surachet Laophulsuk warned of severe congestion around the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway ramp, particularly near the Dao Khanong toll plaza, starting today, Monday, March…
- Phuket News
Pounds meltdown: Phuket hospital weighs in on medical tourism
Vachira Phuket Hospital is stepping up its game in the booming medical tourism sector by inviting international patients to experience its top-notch weight-loss surgery. With demand for such procedures on the rise, the hospital is keen to establish itself as a major player. Dr Thakoon Poonthananiwatkul, a senior surgeon at Vachira, proudly announced the plans. “We have over a decade…
- Thailand News
Grey matters! Labour Ministry’s age-raising proposal stirs debate
The Labour Ministry of Thailand is controversially considering raising the retirement age from 55 to 65, while also encouraging voluntary retirement, in a bid to bolster the financial stability of the Social Security Fund (SSF) as the nation braces for an ageing population boom. Government spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan revealed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is keen on ensuring the SSF…
- Phuket News
Bugged out! Mosquito bite leaves British dad in Tourette’s grip
A British father’s dream holiday in Thailand took a nightmarish twist after a vicious mosquito bite not only gave him Tourette’s syndrome, but set off a series of bizarre, life-altering health issues. Ross Constable returned from a family holiday to Phuket, never expecting a simple insect bite to transform his life in the most shocking way. The 48 year old…
- Thailand News
Frenchman’s magic mushroom mishap trip on Koh Pha Ngan
Tourist Police swooped on a 40 year old Frenchman for his dodgy dealings with magic mushrooms on the sun-soaked paradise of Koh Pha Ngan. The Frenchman, William, who had come to indulge in the tropical party scene, was caught red-handed with 159 grammes of these illicit shrooms, classified as Category 5 narcotics, stashed in plastic bags. The bust was part…
- Thailand News
Monkey business: Morrisons cuts ties with Thai coconut suppliers
British supermarket giant Morrisons declare it’s time to “make good things happen,” severing ties with Thai coconut producers linked to forced monkey labour. Investigations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) uncovered shocking abuses in Thailand’s coconut industry, revealing young monkeys chained and forced to climb trees to harvest coconuts. Despite PETA alerting the Thai government officials, no…
- Business News
McLovin’ it: McDonald’s supersizes Thai expansion (video)
McDonald’s is going all out for a big year, pledging a whopping multi-million baht investment to expand and revamp its stores across Thailand. Kittiwan Anuwatesakul, Chief Executive of McThai Co Ltd, dished out the details on the 700 million baht expansion, revealing plans to open 20 shiny new outlets, gobbling up 70-80% of the budget. Plus, 25 existing branches will…
- Thailand News
School daze: Vaping vendetta forces Thai student relocation
A young Thai student’s schooling has taken a dramatic turn after a series of shocking assaults by a fellow teenager all because of a vaping device. Thirteen-year-old Khon Kaen student Oam has been moved to a boarding school following attacks by 16 year old Lek, sparked by a damaged vaping device. A high-stakes meeting at Watjunprasit School in Ban Phai…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok condo chaos: Illegal Sukhumvit rentals get eviction notice
Director General of the Department of Provincial Administration Chaiwat Juntiraphong targetted Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit area as part of a crackdown on illegal daily rentals in four condo units. Sparked by noise and security grievances lodged at the Damrongtham Centre, these actions align with the Hotel Act 2004. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the clampdown to restore…
- Pattaya News
Teenager’s birthday bash turns deadly in brutal Pattaya stabbing
A teenage birthday bash turned into a blood-soaked nightmare when a brutal stabbing left a 17 year old dead in Bang Lamung near Pattaya. The tragic event unravelled after a 19 year old, identified only as Win, allegedly drove a knife straight into young victim, Jeab’s heart. Police arrested the suspect yesterday, March 13, after the victim succumbed to his…
- Pattaya News
From TikToker to locktoker: British influencer jailed in Thailand
In a stunning reversal of fortune, a British influencer, once a millionaire and reality TV sensation, now finds herself languishing behind bars in Thailand. The 32 year old woman, originally from Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, is accused of overstaying her visa, casting a shadow over what was a sun-soaked, idyllic lifestyle. Ellis Matthews, who reportedly left England four years ago to…
- Thailand News
Irishwoman nabbed in Norway with £1 million worth of Thai cannabis
The sensational arrest of an Irishwoman in Norway with a £1 million (44 million baht) haul of cannabis, allegedly trafficked from Thailand, has unearthed a much larger drug trafficking ring. The 32 year old was apprehended by Norwegian police at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport on Thursday, January 9. She is suspected of attempting to smuggle 41.7kg of cannabis. Upon her arrest,…
- Bangkok News
All systems go: Bangkok’s new Red Line to be greenlit in April
The eagerly anticipated extension of Thailand’s Red Line from Siriraj Hospital to Salaya is racing towards Cabinet approval this April. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the colossal 15.17 billion baht project has cleared all the necessary bureaucratic hurdles. The Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau, and National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have all rendered their blessing, sending the proposal…
- Thailand News
Wake-up call: Snoozing Thai driver startled by cop’s ‘wife’ threat
A sleepy driver in Thailand got the shock of his life when police threatened him with a visit from his wife if he didn’t wake up and get a move on. A 40 year old Thai man fell asleep at the wheel, his pickup truck idling at a red light in bustling Nan City, at 12.30am today, March 12. The…
- Thailand News
Overstayed and overplayed: German man nabbed in Thai drug bust
A German man is behind bars in Maha Sarakham following a dramatic arrest for drug possession and a whopping 377-day visa overstay. Immigration police swooped yesterday, March 11, after a local resort owner reported odd behaviour from a foreign guest in Room 2. The suspect, 53 year old Thomas, looked startled and suspiciously fiddled with the door lock when officers…
- Bangkok News
Thailand tragedy: English football fan’s holiday ends in heartbreak
A beloved English football fan tragically died from a drug overdose while holidaying in Thailand, an inquest revealed yesterday. Connor Abbott from Thirsk, in the North-East of England, was found dead in his Bangkok hotel room on September 22, last year. The inquest at North Yorkshire Coroner’s Court cited morphine toxicity as the cause of death. A heartfelt GoFundMe page…
- Bangkok News
Super Pussy: Premier League stars ping-ponged in Thailand prank (video)
In a cheeky twist at the Icons of Football tournament in Thailand, several Premier League superstars found themselves the target of a hilarious prank by a mischievous Thai wag. The prankster, known on Instagram as “farangsgonewild,” pulled a bold stunt that’s since gone viral. He shared a cheeky clip of his visit to the Super Pussy ping pong show in…
- Phuket News
Speedboat leakage leaves Phuket holidaymakers in deep water
Nearly 30 foreign holidaymakers found themselves in deep trouble when their speedboat began taking on water en route from Koh Lipe to Phuket. The drama unfolded near Koh Poda Nok, just off the Krabi coast, as powerful waves battered the vessel, causing a leak. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park sprang into action, sending out a park patrol…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya punch-up: Teenage girl kicks off in wholesale showdown
A violent punch-up erupted at a wholesale store in Pattaya yesterday between local Thai shoppers when a teenager kicked off after she was blocked by another consumer. The fracas sparked at a store on Soi Khao Noi, East Pattaya, at 8pm yesterday, March 9. The drama exploded when a 19 year old woman flew into a fury over a shopping…
- Pattaya News
Ring the changes! Muay Thai to save Pattaya’s reputation? (video)
Residents of Pattaya believe the introduction of a Muay Thai boxing ring on the city’s infamous Walking Street could tame the recent tide of street brawls among foreign tourists and reclaim some of the holiday resort’s lost charm. The call for change comes hot on the heels of a violent encounter near Pattaya Beach in late February that left two…
- Phuket News
Swiss tourist in a high-profile jam! Phuket drug bust goes viral
A Swiss tourist found himself in hot water after an alleged roadside drug scandal in Kamala, Phuket, spread across social media like wildfire. Locals were left stunned as the Swiss man, Sascha, was reportedly spotted brazenly indulging in drug taking in a motorbike parking area along the bustling Kamala-Patong road last Thursday, March 6. Eyewitnesses couldn’t believe their eyes as…
- Business News
Stock shock! Thai stocks on the ropes, long-term prospects shine
Amidst a whirlwind of disappointing earnings, political jitters, and the looming shadow of US tariffs, Thai stocks are feeling the heat. Yet, analysts at Tisco Securities reckon there’s gold to be found for those willing to play the long game. Apichart Phubancherdkul, Tisco’s strategy sage, voiced concerns that the Thai economy, struggling under the weight of dwindling consumption and a…
- Business News
China crisis or Golden Week wonder? Tourism hopes take flight in May
In the midst of a 12% year-on-year plunge in Chinese tourist numbers during the first two months of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding its breath for a revival come May, perfectly timed with China’s Labour Day holiday. TAT Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, handling international marketing across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighted that safety…
- Thailand News
Full steam ahead! High-speed rail set for Thailand airports
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board is gearing up to put pedal to the metal with the ambitious high-speed rail link that will seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. All eyes are on the Cabinet for a green light come May. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdang revealed that dedicated subcommittees have already given the revamped contract their…
- Krabi News
Busted bud: British man nabbed with cannabis at Krabi Airport
A British man was arrested at Krabi International Airport after officials discovered a massive haul of more than 34 kilogrammes of cannabis stashed in suitcases. The late-night bust has set tongues wagging amidst continuing concerns over drug trafficking in Thailand. According to Krabi Provincial Police, the drama unfolded around 11.50pm on Saturday, March 8, when vigilant airport staff found a…
- Bangkok News
Busted buds: Indian men nabbed in Bangkok airport cannabis scam
Two Indian men were arrested at Don Mueang International Airport for attempting to smuggle a staggering 22 kilogrammes of cannabis disguised as snack bags. The duo’s audacious plan to slip the marijuana past customs was thwarted in a dramatic operation today, March 10. The masterminds behind the daring plot, Kamarudheen and Shibin, both 34 years of age, were apprehended at…
- Hua Hin News
Trunk road terror: Jumbo rage as elephant ejects man from pickup (video)
In a wild encounter that’s captured the attention of Thai social media, an angry elephant gave a new meaning to being “trunked” when it tossed a passenger from the back of a pickup truck on Hua Hin’s Pala-U Road. The dramatic moment, caught on camera by a shocked passerby, has rapidly gone viral. The footage reveals the massive pachyderm as…
- Thailand News
Russian ruffian busted: Koh Pha Ngan’s wannabe mafia gets cuffed
Surat Thani Tourist Police arrested a Russian man accused of terrorising tourists and demanding protection money on the sun-drenched island of Koh Pha Ngan. Dubbed a “Russian mafia” operative, the 27 year old alleged thug was putting on a front worthy of a Hollywood villain, complete with fake police gear and brazen threats. The operation unfolded after the Tourist Police…
- Pattaya News
Lover’s leap: Thai teen falls from Pattaya condo after lover’s spat
A Thai teen is fighting for her life after a heated argument with her foreign boyfriend ended with her falling from the 14th floor of a Pattaya condominium. The 19 year old girl, Jane, was left with critical injuries after plummeting from the 14th floor of a condo in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. At around…
- Bangkok News
New Don Mueang Airport shuttle links to Thailand hotspots
A brand-new feeder shuttle bus service, linking Don Mueang International Airport to the dazzling shores of Pattaya, is going to make it a whole lot easier for tourists to experience some of Thailand’ most iconic destinations. Launched on Saturday, March 8, under the watchful eye of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, the service is set to transform transport connectivity, seamlessly…
