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- Thailand News
Essential guide to alcohol regulations in Thailand for 2024 visitors
As we welcome the blossoming year of 2024, those planning to visit Thailand should have a grasp of the specific days when alcohol sales will face restrictions and bars and entertainment venues will close. These dates, referred to as “No Booze Days,” are critical as they prohibit all booze sales, including stores, restaurants, and hotels. To assist you in planning…
- Thailand News
Tee-time terror: Golf day takes a swing with surprise appearance of giant king cobra
In the Ban Bueng district of Chon Buri, a typical day of golfing transformed into a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary when an enormous king cobra raised its scary head. The beastly serpent, sprawled across the green, caused a stir among golfers, who promptly vacated the area in all directions. Upon receiving the distress signal, volunteer rescuers from…
- Thailand News
Thai central investigators capture Pattani’s wanted criminal at hospital
In a successful operation, Thai central investigative officers apprehended a wanted criminal at Pattani Hospital in Mueang, Pattani, on January 1. The 33 year old suspect, identified as Manase, was arrested based on a warrant issued by the Pattani Provincial Court. The charges levied against him include conspiracy to attempt murder on officers, obstruction of officers performing their duties, possession…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourism soars with 28 million visitors in 2023, dominated by Malaysia and China
A surge in international tourism has been witnessed in Thailand, with the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, disclosing that over 28 million foreign tourists graced the country in 2023. This massive inflow of tourists contributed to an impressive income of over 1.2 trillion baht (US$35 billion). The leading countries, from where these tourists hailed, were Malaysia, with…
- Pattaya News
Stranded fisherman accuses Pattaya maritime office of negligence
Pattaya was abuzz on New Year’s Eve when a Facebook user going by the name of Louis San aired his grievances about the Pattaya Maritime Disaster Prevention Office. His complaint centred around the office’s alleged lackadaisical attitude and the difficulty he faced in trying to reach them. Louis and his group of friends had taken a trip to Koh Phai…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourist’s fatal plunge at Pam Bok waterfall underscores safety importance
In the serene province of Mae Hong Son, an unfortunate incident unfolded at the Pam Bok waterfall in Pai, on December 31. A 52 year old Chinese visitor named Peng Xin met an untimely demise after a fatal fall from 10 metres at the waterfall. The distressing event surfaced at 3.30pm when the Pai police were alerted about the incident.…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s New Year road safety campaign reveals shocking toll
There’s a chill in the air, but temperatures are rising on Thailand’s roads as the New Year Seven Days Road Safety campaign reveals a sobering toll. According to the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the first two days of the campaign have already witnessed a surge in road accidents, injuries, and deaths. The numbers are staggering –…
- Pattaya News
Chinese man’s self-harm crisis defused in Pattaya luxury neighbourhood
In a luxury neighbourhood in Soi Khao Talo, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, a distress call was received at the Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre at 8.30pm on December 29. The call reported a 25 year old Chinese man in the throes of self-harm. Swiftly, Nong Prue police and Pattaya volunteer rescue teams were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the…
- Thailand News
MFP accused of backing anti-government activities in Cambodia
The Move Forward Party (MFP) finds itself embroiled in a political storm as the Cambodian Khmer Unity Great National Party (KUGNP) accuses it of supporting activities against the Phnom Penh government from the sanctuary of Thailand. The opposition MFP vehemently denies these allegations, sparking a cross-border political spat. The KUGNP, an alliance of seven political parties and six civil society…
- Thailand News
Pattaya beach brawl erupts between Indian tourists and Thai locals (video)
In Pattaya, a group of Indian tourists and some Thai locals broke into a fight in the middle of the road at Pattaya beach on December 28. A viral video has been shared online shows the brawl involving sticks, belts, bottles, and even ladles, causing pandemonium and traffic mayhem. The one-minute footage, spreading like wildfire across social media, unveils a…
- Thailand News
CNN chooses Wat Arun for New Year’s Eve bash
CNN International has handpicked the iconic Wat Arun in Bangkok to be the star of their global New Year’s Eve Live celebrations. Under the banner of Wichit Arun, this extravaganza promises to showcase the vibrant tapestry of Thai identity through a stunning display of fireworks. On the eve of December 28, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announced that…
- Pattaya News
Tourist forgets Pattaya hotel location after heavy drinking on arrival
A recent event saw a foreign tourist, having just landed in Thailand, consume a substantial amount of alcohol and subsequently forget his accommodation’s location in Pattaya. The intoxicated traveller insisted on remaining in the taxi after arriving in Pattaya, causing a predicament for 53 year old taxi driver, Sayan Yodsanga. According to Sayan, a member of the Suvarnabhumi Taxi Cooperative,…
- Thailand News
Thailand offers free motorway travel as New Year gift
A fresh announcement by Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, delivered a delightful surprise for the Thai populace on December 27. The Ministry of Transport of Thailand has decided to offer free travel on several motorways and expressways as a New Year‘s gift to the citizens. The complimentary services are set to be available on highways…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai: Thai scientists discover edible mushrooms
A team of scientists from the Center of Excellence for Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilisation at Chiang Mai University has unveiled two new species of mushrooms— Russula pseudomodesta and Russula sribuabanensis, in northern Thailand. Led by Dr Nakarin Suwannarat, Dr Jaturong Khamla, Professor Emeritus Dr Saisamorn Lamyong, and Dr Soumitra Paloi, the researchers, in collaboration with Prof Dr Samantha C.…
- Thailand News
Bangkok crowned world’s most visited city in 2023
World of Statistics has recently crowned Bangkok as the world’s most visited city in 2023, bringing in an impressive 22.78 million tourists. This achievement is doubly significant as Thailand sees not just one, but three of its cities listed in the top 20 most popular tourist destinations. Alongside Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya also made the cut, ranking 14th and 15th…
- Thailand News
Thai government unveils minimum wage hike for 2024
The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, unveiled a hike in the nation’s minimum wage after a cabinet meeting on December 26. The daily wage is set to rise between 2 and 16 baht (US$0.058-0.47), an increase that could impact many of Thailand’s workers. The adjustment, which signifies a 2.37% rise in wages within 2024, is part of a broader effort…
- Tourism News
Thai tourism minister welcomes Chinese influencers to boost 2024 travel
On December 26 Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, extended a warm welcome to a large contingent of Chinese media representatives and influencers. Their visit was part of the Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand, a grand event scheduled from December 21 to 28. The event saw the participation of more than 93 Chinese influencers, all…
- Pattaya News
Thai deputy PM rolls out road safety measures for New Year holidays
The Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, in conjunction with relevant agencies, convened a conference at 10:30am yesterday. The meeting aimed to lay out strategic measures for preventing road accidents, specifically focusing on the safety of drivers during the upcoming New Year holidays. Anutin expressed the Thai government’s deep concern for driver safety, a priority that takes on heightened importance during…
- Thailand News
Sattahip: Man nabbed with pot and blade outside petrol station toilet
A man was apprehended by Sattahip police for a bizarre combination of vices – smoking marijuana and brandishing a knife just outside a petrol station women’s restroom on December 23. The shocking episode unfolded when an alert local reported the man’s suspicious behaviour, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Responding to the call, investigators, joined by officers from the…
- Thailand News
TikTok star Mae Pla pleads for justice for son’s assault
Renowned Thai TikTok sensation Mae Pla has taken her fight for justice to the highest authority after her son and his friend were allegedly brutalised by security personnel at a popular Chon Buri pub. Visiting the Thai National Police Headquarters yesterday, December 26, the 44 year old influencer, Mae Pla aka Nawarat Phurinpuwadon met with Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong,…
- Thailand News
Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
- Thailand News
PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
- Pattaya News
Tourist speedboat capsizes near Bubu Island: all passengers rescued
The tourist speedboat Bandaya 19 met with an unfortunate incident on Sunday (December 24) as it capsized near Bubu Island, a mere 3 kilometres from Satun’s Lipe Island. The boat was ferrying 73 tourists, which included 3 children, and had 4 crew members on board at the time of the mishap. Without losing a beat, the Navy’s 491st Special Warfare…
- Thailand News
Growth for aviation sector predicted for next year
In a recent update, HLIB Research has given a resounding thumbs up to the aviation sector, maintaining its overweight rating and predicting a lucrative 2024 after a robust recovery this year. The research powerhouse predicts a dazzling future for the industry, citing a surge in air travel demand, especially from international segments driven by the behemoths China and India. According…
- Thailand News
National Police Chief vows to crush criminals behind university violence
National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol has pledged to eradicate a criminal organisation accused of orchestrating violence and hatred among rival students at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai campus. At a riveting press conference today, December 21, Pol. Gen. Torsak declared war on the shadowy group, linking them to the fatal shooting of Thanasorn Hongsawat in the Khlong…
- Thailand News
China powers up Thailand’s South with groundbreaking transmission line
China‘s transmission line project in Thailand has sparked a new era in the southern province of Phatthalung. A groundbreaking event unfolded on December 19 as the Thung Song-Songkhla 500kV Transmission Line Project, also known as the Thung Song Project, lit up the skies over Thailand’s southern Phatthalung province. The culmination of two years of relentless construction, this power transmission marvel…
- Thailand News
Motorbike rider cheats death in Pattaya cable catastrophe
In Pattaya, a Bolt motorbike rider narrowly cheated death when he collided with a hanging cable, leaving his neck gruesomely wounded. The motorbike rider, 22 year old Ethan Ketwongsa, took to Facebook to recount his harrowing ordeal that unfolded on December 17. Cruising down Soi Ban Nern Thang Rotfai 1, just off the parallel railway road in East Pattaya, Ethan…
- Thailand News
Marriage equality bill final draft to be submitted to Parliament
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared yesterday, December 19, that the Cabinet is set to propose the Marriage Equality Bill final draft to Parliament tomorrow, December 21. Expressing unwavering confidence in the bill’s potential, Srettha envisions a future where same-sex couples bask in the same marital rights as their heterosexual counterparts, pending parliamentary consideration. The final draft of the bill, an…
- Central Thailand News
Tiger rescue mission in Thailand saves 15 big cats from illegal farm
A landmark rescue operation unfolded in northern Thailand, where a dozen tigers and three leopards were liberated from a hidden tiger farm. This covert operation, conducted on December 16, was the result of legal proceedings against the farm over suspected illicit wildlife trade. The rescue mission involved wildlife experts and veterinary teams, marking the commencement of the most extensive tiger…
- Thailand News
Diesel drama: Choice of petrol diminished
In a game-changing move, the Energy Business Department is racing towards Cabinet approval to discontinue the sale of B10 diesel oil, leaving only B7 and B20 options at the pumps. Department Director-General Nanthika Thangsupanich explains this electrifying decision, spurred by the Energy Policy Committee’s bid to streamline diesel oil offerings and clear the fog of confusion for the masses. As…