Top

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 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.…

  • Pattaya NewsThailand’s ONCB hosts dialogue following decriminalisation of cannabis and kratom

    Thailand’s ONCB hosts dialogue following decriminalisation of cannabis and kratom

    Hot on the trail of the decriminalisation of cannabis and kratom, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) hosted a dialogue dubbed Perspectives and Feedbacks After Cannabis and Kratom Left the Narcotics Act. The main aim of the discourse was to amass opinions from various stakeholders, focusing on methods to protect the youth and children from potential abuse of…

  • 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 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 NewsThai naval forces intercept tax-evading oil vessel near Ta Lu Island

    Thai naval forces intercept tax-evading oil vessel near Ta Lu Island

    An oil-carrying vessel, illegally modified and suspected of tax evasion, was intercepted and detained by the Royal Thai Fleet near Ta Lu Island in Rayong province, in the Gulf of Thailand on Monday, January 22. The incident took place in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri, following a tip-off that led to the naval forces taking swift action. Originally registered…

  • 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,…

  • 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 deathsChildren’s Day ceremony in Satun turns tragic with rescue vehicle malfunction

    Children’s Day ceremony in Satun turns tragic with rescue vehicle malfunction

    Satun witnessed an unfortunate turn of events yesterday, as a Children’s Day ceremony in the Kuan Don Subdistrict took a tragic turn. A rescue vehicle, intended to demonstrate natural disaster operations, malfunctioned during the show, resulting in injuries to 44 children. Local media outlets reported that the incident occurred when a steel sling on the bridge vehicle, used for natural…

  • 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 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.…

  • Environment NewsThai PM approves Clean Air bill: A milestone for environmental protection

    Thai PM approves Clean Air bill: A milestone for environmental protection

    Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday penned his approval of the Clean Air bill. The signing ceremony took place at 9.30am on January 11 in Chiang Mai during the PM’s scheduled visit to review the city’s public transportation systems and ongoing air pollution issues. This move was a significant stride towards addressing Thailand’s air pollution predicament, a subject that has…

  • 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…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin’s extended hospital stay approved by Thailand’s Corrections Department

    Thaksin’s extended hospital stay approved by Thailand’s Corrections Department

    Thailand’s Department of Corrections released an official statement today, January 11, concerning the prolonged medical treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra at Police General Hospital, which has exceeded the standard 120-day limit. Thaksin has been receiving medical attention at an external hospital since August 23 last year, as he was diagnosed with several pre-existing health conditions that required specialised care. The medical…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya City courts elderly Chinese tourists with square dance champions

    Pattaya City courts elderly Chinese tourists with square dance champions

    Pattaya City officials extended a warm welcome to the Chinese square dance champions on Tuesday, January 9, marking a strategic move to boost tourism and instil assurance for elderly Chinese tourists. It was Siwat Boongerd, Pattaya’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, who greeted the Chinese victors of the square dance contest during a ceremony at Pattaya Beach. This welcoming event was not…

  • Pattaya NewsElectrical leakage sparks safety concerns at Phan Thong district footbridge

    Electrical leakage sparks safety concerns at Phan Thong district footbridge

    A footbridge in Phan Thong district of Chon Buri is sparking concerns among residents due to a potentially dangerous electrical leakage. The bridge is situated near Phan Thong Tonson School, a busy passageway for many young students. The issue appears to be originating from a cluster of wires entwined around an iron rail of the bridge, causing electricity to leak.…

  • Pattaya NewsThai deputy PM calls for stricter nightclub regulations after minor scandal

    Thai deputy PM calls for stricter nightclub regulations after minor scandal

    Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, is set to enforce stricter regulations on night entertainment venues following an early morning raid on a nightclub in Pathum Thani on January 7, which resulted in the apprehension of 489 minors. The venue, known as Heaven Rangsit, is alleged to have been operating without the necessary license and accommodating underage…

  • Thailand NewsMonk killed, 37 injured in wrong-lane lorry crash in Sakon Nakhon

    Monk killed, 37 injured in wrong-lane lorry crash in Sakon Nakhon

    A tragic incident unfolded in Sakon Nakhon when a lorry, driven on the wrong side of the road, crashed into a bus instantly killing a monk and inflicting injuries on 37 others. The fatal accident happened on the Nittayo Sakhon Nakhon – Nakhon Phanom Road in Baan Noramai, situated in the Kusuman district. The emergency services were alerted about this…

  • Pattaya NewsIndian tourist’s deep slumber prompts rescue mission in Pattaya city

    Indian tourist’s deep slumber prompts rescue mission in Pattaya city

    In the early hours of this morning in Pattaya city, a peculiar scenario was unveiled as a 28 year old Indian tourist, identified as Umang, fell into a profound slumber inside a locked car. His unsuspecting companions were left with no choice but to shatter the vehicle’s windows to rouse him from his sleep. This unusual episode unfolded around 3am…

  • Pattaya NewsThailand’s Ministry of Commerce boosts global recognition for Thai cuisine

    Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce boosts global recognition for Thai cuisine

    Noteworthy strides are being made by the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand as they launch the Travel, Taste, Eat Thai SELECT campaign, a remarkable initiative to advance Thai cuisine’s global recognition. This ambitious endeavour, spearheaded by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), is invested in motivating Thai eateries around the globe to secure the Thai SELECT certification, a seal…

  • Thailand NewsRussian biker sorry for nuisance caused to locals in Pattaya

    Russian biker sorry for nuisance caused to locals in Pattaya

    Pattaya locals were left sleepless and outraged as a Russian big biker revved his engine into the night at FlowerLand Pattaya. The raucous disturbance prompted a visit from news reporters and a swift intervention by the police. On January 3, around 11pm, the peace in FlowerLand’s vicinity was shattered, triggering a flood of complaints from agitated residents. The noisy escapades…

  • Pattaya NewsSattahip district disturbance: Son assaults mother in Chon Buri

    Sattahip district disturbance: Son assaults mother in Chon Buri

    Chon Buri’s Sattahip district was the scene of a distressing incident yesterday, as police were called to a domestic disturbance at Yung Thong Village. The commotion was reportedly caused by a 26 year old man, Hassadayu, who had assaulted his 49 year old mother, Tadsamalee, and wrought extensive damage within their family home. Upon their arrival, the police found Hassadayu…

  • Thailand NewsThai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023

    Thai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023

    The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year. Based on revenue from January to December 2023, the top 10 Thai national parks accumulated a whopping total income of 1,651,868,101 baht (US$47 million). Hat…

  • Politics NewsActivists challenge Thaksin’s hospital treatment, demand transparency

    Activists challenge Thaksin’s hospital treatment, demand transparency

    A recent post by former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn on January 3 questioned the alleged preferential treatment for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai PM, a high-profile prisoner receiving medical care at the Police General Hospital. In response, the Thai Department of Corrections addressed the matter on January 6, clarifying their stance and procedures concerning long-term treatments exceeding 120 days for inmates…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket: British and South African tourists clash in street brawl on Bangla Road

    Phuket: British and South African tourists clash in street brawl on Bangla Road

    A brawl between a group of British and South African tourists on Bangla Road, Patong, Phuket, was reported to local police yesterday morning, January 5. Injuries were sustained by both parties and the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation was mobilised to send the injured individuals for treatment at Patong Hospital. Photos of the scene of the incident have been released, however, the…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya police arrest local vendor for selling kratom drinks laced with cough syrup

    Pattaya police arrest local vendor for selling kratom drinks laced with cough syrup

    A recent Pattaya police operation led to the arrest of a local stall owner who was accused of peddling Kratom drinks mixed with cough syrup to the youth in the area. The suspect, a 44 year old man known as Nakarin, was apprehended by Nongprue Police officers and now faces charges related to the sale of these illicit beverages. The…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya targets 27 million tourists in 2024 with robust strategies

    Pattaya targets 27 million tourists in 2024 with robust strategies

    Thai government officials have set their sights on ambitious targets and goals to bounce back from the economic fallout caused by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in 2024. Pattaya, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism, amounting to about 90%, was majorly impacted as it has not yet fully recovered to the 2019 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand…