Top

Top is a multifaceted news writer with a keen interest in real estate and travel. Top currently covers local Thai news at Thaiger. As a travel buff, Top blogs about his travels- around the world and Thailand- during his free time.
  • Pattaya NewsPattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future

    Pattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future

    Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches led a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Thai National Tree Day, held as part of a wider initiative to move Pattaya towards a low-carbon city. The event, held yesterday, May 30, was a city-wide affair, consisting of attendees from members of the Pattaya City Council, citizens, and volunteers. The city announced that Pattaya has been chosen by…

  • Politics NewsThailand to amend VAT laws for imported goods under 1,500 baht

    Thailand to amend VAT laws for imported goods under 1,500 baht

    A proposal to amend laws regarding the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported goods valued at less than 1,500 baht was announced today by Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance. The proposed amendment, approved by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, aims to establish a fairer system for public and private sector importers, international manufacturers, and small and medium-sized enterprises…

  • Cannabis NewsSupporters urge Thai PM to prevent Cannabis reclassification

    Supporters urge Thai PM to prevent Cannabis reclassification

    Wisarat Phanprasat, head of the Western Herbal Community Business Network in Kanchanaburi, led a significant demonstration alongside over 1,000 cannabis supporters, submitting a draft of the People’s Cannabis Act and a petition to the prime minister. This event took place in front of the United Nations in Bangkok. The primary demand was to oppose the classification of cannabis as a…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok Pride parade to celebrate love on June 1

    Bangkok Pride parade to celebrate love on June 1

    Bangkok Pride announced an open invitation for the public to join the Bangkok Pride Parade festival, set to take place along Rama I Road in Pathumwan. Scheduled for June 1, the event will feature the LGBTQ+ community marching on what has been dubbed the rainbow road of equality. The pride parade will follow the Celebration of Love theme and will…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok braces for Srettha’s inspection blitz

    Bangkok braces for Srettha’s inspection blitz

    In a highly anticipated tour, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inspected two pivotal development projects in Bangkok yesterday, May 25. The premier’s whirlwind visit kicked off at 2pm at the PTT Park construction site in the Lak Si district. He scrutinised the Kamphaeng Phet 6 Land Development Project, received a comprehensive briefing and conducted a meticulous on-site examination. The focus was…

  • Thailand NewsOver 200 busted in drug-fuelled Pattaya pub

    Over 200 busted in drug-fuelled Pattaya pub

    Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised spearheaded a surprise raid on an illicit pub in Pattaya, exposing a drug scandal. The clandestine operation targeted a notorious establishment in Soi Kor Pai Pattaya, Banglamung district, following a barrage of complaints from neighbours about deafening noise, all-night parties, and rampant drug use among its youthful patrons. Upon the officials’ arrival, the scene inside…

  • Thailand NewsBrace for impact: Torrential downpours set to soak Thailand

    Brace for impact: Torrential downpours set to soak Thailand

    Thailand is set to be drenched as a fierce weather system promises torrential downpours, sparking concerns of flash floods and hazardous conditions. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) has issued an urgent warning for residents to brace for torrential downpours, with Bangkok and its surrounding areas facing a 70% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. A relatively strong southwest monsoon…

  • Thailand NewsRoad rage: Motorcyclist swipes fist at minibus driver in Pattaya

    Road rage: Motorcyclist swipes fist at minibus driver in Pattaya

    In a shocking incident of road rage, a Thai motorcyclist assaulted a minibus driver in Pattaya following a minor collision on Thepprasit Road on Thursday, May 23. The altercation occurred at the entrance to the Colosseum Theatre on Thapprasit Road, in the Nongprue subdistrict of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Rescue workers and Pattaya police arrived at the scene to…

  • Thailand NewsFake monks cause a holy ruckus at private firm in Pathum Thani

    Fake monks cause a holy ruckus at private firm in Pathum Thani

    A report from a private company in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, prompted an investigation into a group of men dressed as monks who had been gathering at the company’s private location. The Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism received the complaint and coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct a field inspection at the 20-rai location. During the inspection, more than 27…

  • Thailand NewsDeranged expat threatens murder in Phuket over rental dispute

    Deranged expat threatens murder in Phuket over rental dispute

    A Phuket neighbourhood was rocked by a chilling threat when a disgruntled Swedish expat promised to return and kill a local homeowner after being barred from his rental house. The shocking incident was brought to light on the Phuket Residents Seek Help Facebook page, prompting immediate action from the authorities. Immigration officers, accompanied by the Tourist Police, set up surveillance…

  • Thailand NewsThailand slips to 47th in global travel rankings

    Thailand slips to 47th in global travel rankings

    The World Economic Forum (WEF) unveiled its Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, and the results have left many surprised. Released on May 21, the Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of the global travel and tourism landscape, assessing the essential conditions required for investment and operation in the sector. According to the report, Thailand has slipped to the 47th position…

  • Thailand NewsBig Joke leads petition to oust NACC over corruption claims

    Big Joke leads petition to oust NACC over corruption claims

    Thailand’s suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachet Hakparn, known as Big Joke, initiated a campaign in Pattaya to gather signatures for the removal of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The event, held yesterday at the J A Plus Hotel, aimed to address accusations of corruption, unexplained wealth, and severe ethical breaches against the NACC. Big Joke highlighted the…

  • Thailand NewsSouth Pattaya: Teen left bloodied in early morning brawl

    South Pattaya: Teen left bloodied in early morning brawl

    A brutal brawl erupted on Second Road in South Pattaya in the early hours of last Sunday, leaving an 18 year old Thai boy severely injured. The shocking altercation, which took place around 5am, saw the teenager, Thanapat Singthom, suffer a deep cut on his neck, a gash above his left eyebrow, and numerous abrasions on his body. Blood-soaked and…

  • Thailand NewsSky-high savings: Webjet and AirAsia unveil mega Asia sale

    Sky-high savings: Webjet and AirAsia unveil mega Asia sale

    Webjet and AirAsia have joined forces again, promising Aussie travellers unbeatable fares to Asia’s hottest destinations. In a major boost for Aussie globetrotters, Webjet, Australia’s leading online travel agency, relaunched its partnership with AirAsia. This exciting collaboration promises easier access to affordable flights, thanks to AirAsia’s extensive network. The partnership aims to offer customers a broader range of choices and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Australia join forces to tackle human trafficking

    Thailand and Australia join forces to tackle human trafficking

    To tackle the scourge of human trafficking, the Thai government, in partnership with Australia, has unveiled a groundbreaking training facility in Bangkok. The Counter Trafficking in Persons Center of Excellence (CTIP-COE) officially opened on May 17 by Minister of Justice Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald. This centre represents a significant stride in the ASEAN-Australia…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya’s electric scooter debate sparks charged safety talks

    Pattaya’s electric scooter debate sparks charged safety talks

    Electric scooters have become a hot topic in Pattaya, sparking discussions among various agencies and officials about their legality and safety. The legal status of these scooters is not straightforward in Thailand, with regulations varying by region. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the rules can differ significantly. The primary concern lies in the absence of firm national rules…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya raid busts South Korean gambling in coffee shop

    Pattaya raid busts South Korean gambling in coffee shop

    Authorities in Pattaya arrested 10 South Korean nationals during a raid on a coffee shop that doubled as a gambling den. The police operation took place yesterday evening on the second floor of Sand Coffee in Bang Lamung district. Bang Lamung district chief Veekit Manarojkiit and Pattaya Police Colonel Navin Thirawit led the raid at 9.26pm. Upon entering, they discovered…

  • Thailand NewsE-cigarette drug ring busted in Bangkok: Meth-infused vapes

    E-cigarette drug ring busted in Bangkok: Meth-infused vapes

    Thai authorities announced the capture of an international drug ring after a dramatic raid on several Bangkok condominiums on Thursday. The Thai Special Service Division (SSD) and other agencies revealed their findings in a high-profile press conference. According to the SSD, the operation targeted a criminal network distributing modified e-cigarettes laced with methamphetamine and other dangerous substances. The investigation began…

  • Thailand NewsCar fire creates traffic jam near Buffalo Market in South Pattaya

    Car fire creates traffic jam near Buffalo Market in South Pattaya

    A car fire erupted on Thepprasit Road in South Pattaya yesterday, causing chaos near the Buffalo Market. A black Kia van burst into flames, sending thick smoke billowing across the road towards Jomtien Beach, bringing traffic to a standstill. The incident sparked when 36 year old Patcharaporn Chatmong had just dropped her child off at school. Moments later, the brakes…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya man victim of robbery after date meetup gone wrong

    Pattaya man victim of robbery after date meetup gone wrong

    A member of the LGBTQ+ community reportedly fell victim to the robbery of his motorbike during a date arranged online in Pattaya. The incident unfolded in yesterday’s early hours on Soi Phaniat Chang, close to a prominent school in the area. Upon receiving a report of the robbery, Police Lieutenant Sonthaya Khansap, Deputy Investigator of the Pattaya Police Station, promptly headed…

  • Technology NewsTHEOS-2 satellite captures first high-detail images of Bangkok

    THEOS-2 satellite captures first high-detail images of Bangkok

    Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) unveiled the first images captured by its THEOS-2 satellite. Launched into space on October 9 last year, the satellite has now successfully entered orbit and undergone rigorous testing and calibration by engineering teams to ensure it meets universal standards. Dr Pornthep Navakitkanok, Director of the National Satellite Manufacturing Centre, confirmed that THEOS-2…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya’s traffic tangle tackled: Mayor unveils school scheme

    Pattaya’s traffic tangle tackled: Mayor unveils school scheme

    Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet launched a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the chaos of school traffic as the new semester kicks off. The mayor has rallied the Order Maintenance Division and traffic police from Pattaya City to ensure smooth and safe commutes for students and parents. Determined to ease the daily gridlock, city officials are out in force every morning and…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket: International gang nabbed for selling illicit drugs

    Phuket: International gang nabbed for selling illicit drugs

    In a crackdown on an international drug ring, Phuket police have arrested one Russian and three Nigerian men for allegedly selling a cocktail of illicit drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, and crystal meth. Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, Deputy Chief of the Immigration Bureau, detailed the dramatic arrests to reporters yesterday. “Three suspects were found distributing cocaine last weekend.” The suspects,…

  • Thailand NewsThai AirAsia’s first quarter: Revenue skyrockets yet net loss stings

    Thai AirAsia’s first quarter: Revenue skyrockets yet net loss stings

    Asia Aviation PLC (AAV), the powerhouse behind Thai AirAsia Co. Ltd (TAA), unveiled a tale of contrasting fortunes in its first-quarter performance of 2024. Revenue rocketed by an impressive 52%, hitting 13,793.7 million baht, while positive earnings before taxes soared by 78% to 3,094.2 million baht. But amidst the celebratory air, a storm brewed as the company recorded a staggering…

  • Thailand NewsTake a thrilling ride on the Pattaya Sky Ride

    Take a thrilling ride on the Pattaya Sky Ride

    Nestled amidst the glimmering beaches and pulsating nightlife of Pattaya lies a new gem captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike – the Pattaya Sky Ride. Offering a euphoric adventure, this latest addition allows thrill-seekers to soar above Pattaya’s enchanting landscape, gazing down upon its wonders from the heights of a helicopter. The grand unveiling was nothing short of…

  • Thailand NewsThai Vietjet halts Phuket-Chiang Rai flights

    Thai Vietjet halts Phuket-Chiang Rai flights

    Thai Vietjet has abruptly cancelled its direct flights between Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, and Phuket, a favourite destination on the Andaman Sea coast. The budget airline remained tight-lipped about the sudden suspension. However, the timetable for May 1 to 31, filed with Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and posted on its Facebook page, indicates that the final…

  • Thailand NewsTragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash

    Tragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash

    In a heart-wrenching incident at Sukhsiri Village, East Pattaya, an Estonian toddler tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident yesterday. Filipp Naumov was found lifeless on the road, suffering severe head injuries and extensive bleeding. Despite the valiant efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, who performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, Naumov succumbed to his injuries shortly…

  • Thailand NewsInferno erupts at Pattaya luxury clubhouse

    Inferno erupts at Pattaya luxury clubhouse

    A luxury clubhouse in the prestigious Nusa Chivani Pattaya Village of Na Jomtien was devastated by a ferocious fire yesterday. The blaze, which ignited on the second floor, rapidly consumed the entire two-story building, fuelled by a stash of documents and bed sets. Thick plumes of smoke filled the sky, visible for miles around, as the inferno raged. Local firefighters from surrounding…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled

    Pattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled

    In front of the Phra Mahatai Centre, known as the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, an elevator once abandoned has been resurrected, poised to redefine accessibility along Sukhumvit Road. “The elevator’s revival heralds a new era of inclusivity, offering safe passage for those navigating the bustling thoroughfare.” The repaired elevator serves as more than just a mechanism…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals

    Thailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals

    Thailand’s latest move has sent shockwaves through the region as the government unveils a plan to gather biometric data from Myanmar nationals. But behind the guise of healthcare efficiency lies a shadow of suspicion and fear. To streamline healthcare for its transient population, Thailand has launched a controversial programme, gathering iris and face biometrics from Myanmar nationals. But as concerns…