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Bangkok News
Thailand’s air quality safe, Bangkok records lowest PM2.5 levels
In a rare twist of atmospheric fate, Thailand basked in pristine air quality this morning, with every province being given the green light for clean air by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Foremost among them, bustling Bangkok boasted the lowest levels of ultrafine dust in the nation, marking a refreshing change for the capital known for its…
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Pattaya News
Pattaya’s paradise stinks as tourists take toilet troubles seaside
Pattaya’s picturesque seaside spot, typically teeming with tourists seeking seaside breezes and a tipple, now smells more like a toilet after tourists resorted to pooping and peeing in public. Reports have surfaced of visitors, both Thai and foreign, resorting to relieving themselves, quite literally, in places more suited to parking than plumbing. Pattaya News reported today, February 10, on an…
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Thailand News
Thailand rolls out Valentine’s plan: Free condoms for teenagers
Today, at Government House, the Deputy spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office unveiled a bold initiative from the Department of Disease Control: free condoms for teenagers. Marking Valentine’s Day as more than just hearts and flowers, this campaign aims to hammer home the message of safe sex and promote access to essential sexual health services among teenagers and young adults.…
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Phuket News
Phuket police turn up the heat on Peach Hill Resort fire probe
Phuket City Police have launched a probe into a fierce fire that ignited at the Peach Hill Resort on Laem Sai Road in Karon on the evening February 7. The flames spurred a dramatic emergency response, with local police and fire teams racing to the scene shortly after being alerted at around 6pm. The alarm bells first rang for Police…
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Business News
Stable vision: Binance pushes for baht-backed crypto in Phuket
The Government of Thailand is being urged by Binance’s Thai branch to explore the development of stablecoins tethered to the baht, intended for use within the country and particularly within the proposed Phuket crypto sandbox. Unlike volatile digital assets such as Bitcoin, stablecoins are linked to fiat currencies, offering a more stable alternative. Nirun Fuwattananukul, CEO of Gulf Binance, explained…
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Business News
Taxing decisions: Thai businesses brace for higher import duties
Thailand’s business entrepreneurs are leaning towards higher import tariffs should the government forge ahead with its ambitious tax reform plans, according to a fresh poll from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This survey follows hot on the heels of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira unveiling a set of tax reform proposals designed to swell state coffers, fuel national development, sharpen…
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Business News
Fuelling growth: Thailand’s energy use rises as tourism powers up
The Department of Energy Business revealed fuel consumption in Thailand saw a 2.1% rise last year, reaching a daily average of 155.4 million litres, in tandem with an estimated GDP growth of 2.6-2.7%, largely fuelled by bustling tourism-related industries. In 2023, total fuel consumption was slightly less, at 152.3 million litres per day. Jet fuel, driven by the surge in…
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Thailand News
EV ferries set to recharge routes between Surat Thani-Koh Samui
Ferry services shuttling electric vehicles (EVs) between mainland Surat Thani and the idyllic shores of Koh Samui are set to resume on Tuesday, following a three-month hiatus prompted by safety concerns. Phutthapong Wimolphan, the Deputy Managing Director of Raja Ferry Port Plc, broke the news today, February 7, revealing that the company will offer this service twice a week, every…
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Pattaya News
Shore thing: Viral video shows Indian tourists sleeping on Pattaya Beach
A video circulating on Instagram showing what appears to be a mass takeover of Pattaya Beach by Indian tourists has set social media on fire. Shared with the not-so-subtle caption “Indian Tourists in Pattaya,” the clip reveals around 100 holidaymakers lounging on mats. Some are seen knocking back beers while surrounded by unsightly piles of litter. The footage has ignited…
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Business News
Tariff-ied: Thai exporters brace for US trade heat
Thai exporters could soon find themselves in hot water, facing increased tariffs from the United States. The Government of Thailand might also be compelled to import more American goods to balance out its trade surplus, warns Burin Adulwattana, the Managing Director and Chief Economist at Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). Burin shared that K-Research hasn’t yet drilled down into the possible…
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Business News
Price hike strikes again: Inflation on a ten-month hot streak
Inflation in January has surged to 1.32%, continuing a relentless ten-month climb, with fuel, food, and beverage costs driving the increase. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) chief, disclosed that the consumer price index has jumped by 1.32% compared to the same time last year. It’s the second consecutive month where inflation has breached the 1% mark. A…
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Thailand News
Thai and mighty: President Xi praises Thai PM for scam crack down
In a warm gesture of appreciation, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for Thailand’s tough stance against scammers preying on Chinese nationals across the region. As the Land of Smiles seeks to revive its tourism industry post-Covid-19, China stands as a vital partner. Yet, new threats have emerged, with reports indicating that Chinese tourists are being…
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Phuket News
Waste no time: Phuket fast-tracks trash tech near city centre
A ticking time bomb lurks in the heart of Phuket’s beautiful landscape but not one you would expect. Phuket City Municipality is racing against the clock to establish a state-of-the-art solid waste sorting facility at the waste disposal centre in Saphan Hin, a stone’s throw from bustling Phuket City centre. Deputy Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet revealed that by the end of…
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Bangkok News
Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
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Thailand News
Activists demand Parliament clean house on old prostitution law
A groundswell for change surged through Parliament today, as Naiyana Suphaphueng of the Service Workers’ Friends Foundation, flanked by activists and supporters, submitted a bold draft bill to scrap the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539. With over 13,000 signatures in tow, the proposal was formally handed over to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House…
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Pattaya News
Fare fight: Bang Lamung bikers protest against ride-hailing rivals
Bang Lamung’s motorcycle taxi drivers are revving up their engines in protest, calling on government departments to clamp down on ride-hailing services they say are taking the wind out of their financial sails. On Tuesday, February 4, representatives from the Public Motorcycle Taxi Association for Tourism met with district chief Patcharapatch Sritanyanont, demanding swift action to curb these so-called interlopers.…
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Opinion
Trump’s mad, mad, mad, mad world—now with extra madness
It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad, world, about to get a whole lot madder under newly elected United States President Donald Trump. The 78 year old alleged leader of the free world, not content with stirring a hornet’s nest by saying he plans to take over Greenland and make Canada a US state, yesterday, February 5, he announced plans to…
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Pattaya News
Parking puzzle: Pattaya evens out the odds to curb traffic congestion
In a bid to tackle the notorious traffic congestion in South Pattaya, city officials have rolled out a strict enforcement of odd-even parking rules on the bustling South Pattaya Road. Starting Monday, February 3, the initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and bring order to the chaotic streets. On the first day of enforcement, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet took to…
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Thailand News
British husband of the Thai ‘Lady of the Hills’ bailed (video)
The British husband suspected of murdering his Thai wife over two decades ago has been released on bail. The mystery surrounding the tragic case of Lamduan Armitage, whose body was discovered in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, deepens as police make urgent appeals for information. Lamduan, known as the “Lady of the Hills,” was found lifeless in a stream near the…
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Thailand News
Tiger honours ‘force of nature’ mum who shaped his red-hot legacy
Tiger Woods hailed his Thai-born mother a “force of nature” in a fitting tribute after announcing her death at the age of 80 late yesterday, adding the famous red shirt he wears at golf tournaments on Sundays was a nod to her Thai belief in red as his power colour. The golfing legend shared the heartbreaking news late yesterday, sparking…
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Pattaya News
British tourist’s bribery tale jailed as ‘untrue’ by Pattaya police chief
A British tourist’s claims of bribing his way out of a Pattaya jail have been denounced as “largely untrue” by a Pattaya police chief. However, in a bid for transparency, the Pattaya police chief promises a thorough review of the evidence. Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, head of the Pattaya Police Station in Chon Buri province, issued a strong denial yesterday,…
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Thailand News
Golden days: Dazzling rise in gold prices spark trading frenzy
In a sparkling turn of events, gold prices have shot up, leaving traders feverishly clasping their hands with glee. Today, February 4 marked a golden morning as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a substantial hike of 250 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, setting the trading floors abuzz with anticipation. As the clock struck 9.05 am, the shimmering reality set…
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Thailand News
Cybercrime crackdown: New law holds Big Tech accountable
In a landmark move against the surging tide of cybercrime, a significant amendment proposal is set to be unveiled in the Royal Gazette this month, aimed at reinforcing the fight against online fraud. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the bold step comes in response to rising concerns over the financial havoc wreaked by cybercriminals. In a…
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Phuket News
Turkish man caught packing more than just bags at Phuket Airport
A Turkish man was detained at Phuket International Airport after airport security uncovered ammunition hidden in his luggage. The man, Isa Ates, found himself at the centre of a dramatic scene, insisting he had no idea how the bullets ended up in his suitcase. The incident unfolded yesterday, February 3, when eagle-eyed airport officials, conducting a routine security check, spotted…
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Phuket News
Back in the driver’s seat: Rewat plans to steer Phuket forward
Fresh off his re-election victory, Rewat Areerob is revving up to tackle the challenges facing Phuket as the newly-affirmed president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO). Triumphing with a commanding 86,616 votes, Rewat of the Phuket Yat Dai Party left his nearest rival, Lersak Leenanitikul of the Prachachon Party, trailing in the dust with 44,602 votes. Not content with…
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Phuket News
Smoke out: Phuket cracks down on polluters as air crisis worsens
Phuket is turning up the heat on environmental offenders with a major new campaign aimed at tackling the island’s escalating air pollution crisis. In a bold bid to curb forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 dust pollution, the island’s officials have launched a public awareness drive, kicking off with a grand ceremony at the Phuket Provincial Hall, today, February 3, presided…
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Thailand News
Ballot bedlam: Nearly 2 million votes go to waste in local elections
In an electoral fiasco that left heads spinning, nearly 2 million ballots were either ruled invalid or marked as no-vote in the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidential elections, which took place across 47 provinces last Saturday. The startling figures have raised eyebrows and questions about the voting process. Today, February 3, the Office of the Election Commission unveiled the sobering…
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Thailand News
Gold rush 2.0: Prices hit dazzling new heights past 45,000 baht
Hold onto your wallets, gold enthusiasts, prices are soaring yet again! The glittering metal has surpassed a staggering 45,000 baht, according to the latest update from the Gold Traders Association (GTA). As of today, February 3, gold jewellery is now selling at a dazzling 45,250 baht per baht weight, reflecting a 150 baht increase in just 24 hours. The drama…
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Thailand News
Golden getaway: Thief strikes at Pathum Thani shopping mall
In a bold daylight heist that could rival Hollywood thrillers, a lone thief made off with an impressive haul from a bustling Pathum Thani shopping mall in the Khlong 5 area. The audacious theft unfolded today, February 3, leaving Thai police officers in hot pursuit of the suspect who absconded with a staggering 150 baht in gold, valued at over…
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Krabi News
Blade end: Krabi mechanic’s routine lawnmower repair turns deadly
A seemingly ordinary day turned tragic for a 72 year old Krabi mechanic, as a routine lawnmower repair took a lethal turn. The Krabi mechanic, Saman, yesterday, February 2, was engaged in what should have been just another day at his repair shop: a humble single-storey setup nestled in the area of Ban Khao Thiam Pa, Khao Thong subdistrict in…