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.
  • Thailand NewsNong Prue authorities rush to quell massive garbage pond blaze

    Nong Prue authorities rush to quell massive garbage pond blaze

    A fire tore through a vast garbage pond in Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man near Pattaya on Monday evening. The Nong Prue Municipal Disaster Mitigation Center sprang into action following reports of the inferno around 10pm, Monday, February 12, prompting a swift response from municipal officials across the region. Stretching across an expanse of over 10 rais and owned by Nong…

  • Thailand NewsThai Cannabis decriminalisation paused for further dialogue

    Thai Cannabis decriminalisation paused for further dialogue

    The push for cannabis decriminalisation in Thailand faced a hiccup as the Ministry of Public Health yesterday announced a pause in proceedings. The deferral was called for a dialogue with the public, and pro-cannabis interest groups, and to gather more views on the matter. The initial intention behind cannabis decriminalisation in Thailand was always medical, not recreational use. However, the…

  • Thailand NewsGerman tourist’s night out in Pattaya turns into nightmare

    German tourist’s night out in Pattaya turns into nightmare

    In the dim-lit streets of Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, chaos erupted as a German national found himself entangled in a brutal altercation with Go-Go bar thugs in the early hours of yesterday, leaving him nursing injuries to his left ear. The 46 year old German tourist, Mike Groebiinghoff, accompanied by his Thai girlfriend, innocently sought a parking spot in front of…

  • Thailand NewsLightning strikes three farmers in eastern Thailand

    Lightning strikes three farmers in eastern Thailand

    Three farmers were struck by lightning while toiling on a farm in Huay Yai Phrom Community in Sri Racha district last Friday, February 9. According to the Sri Racha Police Station, the calamity unfolded around 5pm as an unexpected thunderstorm engulfed the area. The victims, identified as 45 year old Somchai, 40 year old Nongnuch and 18 year old Nattapong…

  • Pattaya NewsChon Buri construction site in chaos as 80-tonne crane overturns

    Chon Buri construction site in chaos as 80-tonne crane overturns

    The site of the Chon Buri Provincial Administration Organisation was the scene of a construction mishap yesterday, as an 80-tonne crane dramatically overturned, causing severe damage to a parked pickup truck. The unfortunate incident occurred within the confines of an ongoing five-storey office building project, marking yesterday as a day of unexpected peril. The initial sequence of events points towards…

  • Thailand NewsBritish man faces disability after motorcycle accident in Thailand

    British man faces disability after motorcycle accident in Thailand

    The tranquillity of a family vacation was shattered for Lee Francis, a 54 year old occupational therapist from Church Village, Rhondda Cynon Taf when a motorcycle accident in Thailand left him with paralysis from the waist down. The irony is not lost on Lee, who spent his career aiding disabled individuals to live independently, and now faces a similar struggle…

  • Pattaya NewsTaiwanese fraud suspect nabbed in Pattaya after overstaying visa

    Taiwanese fraud suspect nabbed in Pattaya after overstaying visa

    A recent collaboration between the Tourist Police Division 2 and Pattaya Police led to the apprehension of a Taiwanese national, accused of fraud in Taiwan. The 22 year old individual in question, Hsues Hua Liu, was taken into custody yesterday, February 10, following suspicions of his association with a call centre gang back in his homeland. It is believed that…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai’s Paetongtarn hopeful for Thaksin’s release on parole

    Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn hopeful for Thaksin’s release on parole

    Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, expressed wishes for the release of her father, convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on parole. With the possibility of his release looming, Paetongtarn remains uncertain if her father’s name will be included in the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) list of eligible inmates for parole and special parole. Special parole is typically…

  • Pattaya NewsMinivan collides with parked truck on Highway 36 in Chon Buri

    Minivan collides with parked truck on Highway 36 in Chon Buri

    A tragedy was narrowly averted when a minivan carrying 19 passengers collided with a parked timber truck on Highway 36 in Chon Buri. The unfortunate incident, which occurred on Wednesday, February 7, resulted in injuries to two passengers, while the remaining 17 escaped unscathed. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue unit was called to the scene of the accident at 7.16pm.…

  • Songkran NewsThailand gears up for World Songkran Festival

    Thailand gears up for World Songkran Festival

    Preparations are underway for the World Songkran Festival, with a meeting set to take place next week, as per a statement given by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), on February 8. The meeting, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, the private sector, and other relevant agencies, will focus…

  • Tourism NewsTrip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure

    Trip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure

    On February 8, Bangkok bore witness to a revelation from Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider. The data released by the company predicts a notable increase in total trip expenditure for inbound bookings in Thailand. A substantial uptick of 44.3% has been projected for this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) festive period compared to the CNY period in…

  • Thailand NewsThai govt announces largest ever Songkran festival

    Thai govt announces largest ever Songkran festival

    The Thai government recently sent waves of panic through Thai expats with an announcement that this year’s Songkran, the Thai New Year, would be the largest ever, celebrated from April 1 to April 21. The terror stemmed from the misconception that this would mean 21 days of water-throwing, a popular but divisive feature of Songkran, which is also known as…

  • Thailand NewsThai Tourist Police enhance Grand Palace facilities ahead of Chinese New Year

    Thai Tourist Police enhance Grand Palace facilities ahead of Chinese New Year

    In a recent endeavour to uplift the image of Thailand’s tourism, the Thai Tourist Police and associated agencies carried out an intensive inspection at the iconic Grand Palace in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, at 10am on February 7. The operation was part of an initiative to gear up for the arrival of tourists, especially considering the upcoming Chinese New Year. In…

  • Pattaya NewsBeach blues: Na Jomtien residents wave off unauthorised businesses

    Beach blues: Na Jomtien residents wave off unauthorised businesses

    Residents of Na Jomtien in Sattahip raised concerns over continuous disturbances and unauthorised commercial activities on the beach. These issues have previously been highlighted and rectified, thanks to the combined efforts of local officials and law enforcement. However, according to the community, the resolutions have been temporary rather than a permanent fix. The focal point of these complaints is the…

  • Pattaya NewsTrunk trouble: Illegal elephant pants imports surge sparks probe

    Trunk trouble: Illegal elephant pants imports surge sparks probe

    A surge of illegal imports of Thai elephant pants from China and neighbouring countries led to an official investigation on February 5. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, directed the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) to look into this matter. These infringing items were spotted at various tourist hotspots, being sold at prices significantly lower than…

  • Pattaya NewsRoyal rumble: Thaksin Shinawatra faces charges under section 112

    Royal rumble: Thaksin Shinawatra faces charges under section 112

    A significant legal case involving Thaksin Shinawatra, concerning Section 112 of the Criminal Code for alleged offences against the monarchy, came into the public eye on February 6. Prayut Phetkhun, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, shared the details of the case, which originated from an event that took place in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, 2015.…

  • Road deathsPattaya’s high-speed car crash triggers explosion and blackout

    Pattaya’s high-speed car crash triggers explosion and blackout

    Pattaya witnessed a catastrophic event last night at the entrance of Soi Chaiphonwithi 15, as a high-speed car crash triggered an explosion. This near-fatal incident took place around 11pm when a bronze Toyota pickup truck, bearing Bangkok number plates, slammed into a high-voltage electric pole. The impact ignited a fire, posing a severe threat to the surrounding area. Responding to…

  • Thailand NewsConstruction chaos in Pattaya causes college walls to crumble

    Construction chaos in Pattaya causes college walls to crumble

    Dusit Thani College finds itself on shaky ground as a drainage project on Sukhumvit Road wreaks havoc on its walls. The Soi Phothisan to Khlong Naklua Phase 2 project, meant to improve the drainage system, caused damage that has left students and staff in dismay. The ambitious construction venture, involving the excavation of sand mounds near the college, has taken…

  • Thailand NewsThree injured in motorcycle accident on Pattaya Central Road

    Three injured in motorcycle accident on Pattaya Central Road

    A motorcycle accident in front of McDonald’s on Pattaya Central Road left two Thai teens and a foreigner with injuries on the night of January 25. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation dispatched a response team to the scene upon receiving report of the accident. An unconscious 14 year old Thai girl, sprawled on the road, was found at the site.…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya authorities bust illegal marijuana operation, four arrested

    Pattaya authorities bust illegal marijuana operation, four arrested

    The tranquil coastal city of Pattaya was the scene of a significant law enforcement operation yesterday when Banglamung district officials, public health experts, and local police descended on an unauthorised marijuana operation. The collaboration resulted in the apprehension of four individuals and the confiscation of numerous cannabis products. The identities of these individuals remain undisclosed. The accused, now under arrest,…

  • Pattaya NewsDomestic dispute escalates to stabbing in Sri Racha worker’s camp

    Domestic dispute escalates to stabbing in Sri Racha worker’s camp

    A chilling incident unfolded in Sri Racha, a city in the province of Chon Buri, Thailand, when a domestic squabble escalated into violence yesterday, January 23. The event took place at a workers’ camp and involved a vicious stabbing of a woman, allegedly by her partner. The woman who was unfortunately at the receiving end of the violence is Aye,…

  • Pattaya NewsDepartment of Consular Affairs goes digital with e-passports and more

    Department of Consular Affairs goes digital with e-passports and more

    The Department of Consular Affairs made a giant leap into the future, with its transformation into a digital department this year. This significant change involves the integration of advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into its daily operations, demonstrated by the introduction of contemporary icons and an array of improved e-consular services. The cornerstone of this digital metamorphosis lies in…

  • Thailand NewsLazada Thailand’s CEO shake-up

    Lazada Thailand’s CEO shake-up

    Lazada Thailand is poised for a major shake-up as insiders reveal plans to oust current CEO Werapong Goo in favour of COO Varitha Kiatpinyochai. The anonymous source suggests Goo’s departure is driven by a pursuit of new horizons, leaving the company at a critical crossroads. Varitha, who has spent eight years at Lazada Thailand, emerges as the frontrunner for the…

  • Pattaya NewsLarge-scale operation targets drug abuse in Pattaya’s entertainment venues

    Large-scale operation targets drug abuse in Pattaya’s entertainment venues

    A large-scale operation to tackle drug abuse in Pattaya’s entertainment venues was conducted in the early hours of today. The operation was a joint effort between over 100 officers from the Provincial Police Region 2, the Chon Buri Provincial Police, and Pattaya Police. Officials from the Office of Narcotics Control and Prevention Region 2 also contributed to the undertaking. The…

  • Road deathsDrunk driving incident leads to major car pileup in Pattaya

    Drunk driving incident leads to major car pileup in Pattaya

    Early this morning, a serious car pileup occurred on Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya, instigated by a Thai woman who, according to police, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The chaotic scene unfolded in front of Soi 8 around 2.30am today, with seven cars severely damaged and blocking traffic. The emergency services and local police were promptly dispatched…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya lands seventh spot on TripAdvisor’s top emerging destinations

    Pattaya lands seventh spot on TripAdvisor’s top emerging destinations

    The coastal city of Pattaya made a remarkable stride in the global travel sector by securing the seventh position in TripAdvisor’s esteemed list of the Top Emerging Destinations. The ranking was revealed yesterday and it is determined based on a multitude of reviews and ratings that have been submitted by the TripAdvisor community over the past year. The platform lists…

  • Pattaya NewsMental health incident in Chon Buri leads to swift police intervention

    Mental health incident in Chon Buri leads to swift police intervention

    An incident of public disturbance in Ban Bueng municipality, in Chon Buri, led to the swift intervention of local law enforcement on Wednesday. A Thai man, whose identity is being kept confidential due to his mental health condition, was apprehended after causing a series of disturbances, including car vandalism near a local school. Ban Bueng police, in collaboration with the…

  • Pattaya NewsThai national arrested for Pattaya street gold robbery

    Thai national arrested for Pattaya street gold robbery

    Pattaya police last night apprehended a 19 year old Thai national, Wutthikrai Poonsang, following a robbery incident that occurred on Pattaya Walking Street on January 10. Wutthikrai is accused of snatching a gold necklace from a Thai woman named Amarin Kokaew. On the previous day, Wutthikrai allegedly stole a 1 baht weight gold necklace, valued at 32,000 baht, from Amarin.…

  • Pattaya NewsThai MP proposes revision of strict alcohol control bill

    Thai MP proposes revision of strict alcohol control bill

    Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Thaophiphob Limchitrakorn proposed a revision of a stringent Alcohol Control bill concerning alcohol product advertising during a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday, January 10. Three versions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act were under scrutiny, including two public sector drafts and Thaophiphob’s draft. The first draft, supported by numerous anti-alcohol groups and labelled as Article 32…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya Walking Street: Thief nabs 32,000 baht bling from 25 year old Thai woman

    Pattaya Walking Street: Thief nabs 32,000 baht bling from 25 year old Thai woman

    The bustling Walking Street in Pattaya was the scene of yet another audacious gold theft after a 25 year old Thai woman was robbed of her jewellery worth 32,000 baht. The perpetrator, a tall young man on a motorcycle, made off with her gold necklace, forcing the victim to report the incident to the Pattaya police. The suspect was apprehended…