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    8 Pneumonia prevention tips for expat families in Thailand

    With World Pneumonia Day on November 9, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can protect your family from this serious illness, especially in Thailand, where unique climate and seasonal factors come into play. Pneumonia can be especially dangerous...

  • Narcotics Control warns parents: Beware of lethal ‘party lollipops’ sweeping through social media

    Narcotics Control warns parents: Beware of lethal ‘party lollipops’ sweeping through social media

    The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has issued a stern warning to parents as a new threat emerges in the form of seemingly harmless lollipops. Dubbed “party lollipops” or “drunk lollipops,” these dangerous candies have skyrocketed in popularity among the younger generation and partygoers, posing a grave risk to unsuspecting individuals. Police Lieuteant-General Phanurat Lakboon, the Secretary-General of…

  • Protesters demand jail for Thaksin

    Protesters demand jail for Thaksin

    Protesters rallied outside the Government House, demanding the return of convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to prison grounds. Allegedly basking in the comforts of the Police General Hospital for over five months, Thaksin’s extended stay has ignited a firestorm of discontent. Protesters from the Network of Students and Citizens for Thailand’s Reform rallied outside Rajamangala University, determined to scrutinise Thaksin’s…

  • Srettha aims to crush rubber smuggling ring in West Thailand

    Srettha aims to crush rubber smuggling ring in West Thailand

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unleashed a collaboration to tackle the escalating crisis of para rubber smuggling in Kanchanaburi province. The PM’s decisive action involves a high-stakes order to key agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Royal Thai Army, to urgently confront the illicit trade. Acknowledging the recent surge in smuggling activities, the prime minister left…

  • Housemaid betrays Thai woman’s trust, snatches gold jewelry

    Housemaid betrays Thai woman’s trust, snatches gold jewelry

    A 40 year old Thai woman claimed that her housemaid stole gold jewelry from her in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The Thai woman, known by her nickname Rung, who disclosed the shocking incident to The Pattaya News this Thursday, February 1, asserted that she fell prey to the cunning theft on January 31 at her Nong Prue residence.…

  • Thai stylist’s hair-raising encounter with furious Russian man

    Thai stylist’s hair-raising encounter with furious Russian man

    A Russian man shaved part of his barber’s hair after not getting his desired haircut in Jomtien, Pattaya on January 25. The hairdresser, 32 year old Supachai Maneecharoen found himself in a hair-raising predicament during a routine trim last month. The scissor showdown unfolded as the language barrier led to this salon drama. Amidst snips and clips, a Russian man,…

  • Fashion subcommittee’s shocking resignation rocks national soft power strategy committee

    Fashion subcommittee’s shocking resignation rocks national soft power strategy committee

    The entire fashion subcommittee of the prestigious National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC) handed in their resignations last night, leaving the committee in turmoil. The fashion moguls, including sustainable fashion activist and subcommittee president Kamonnart Ongwandee, cited insurmountable challenges in meeting the policy goals set by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, compelling them to prioritise their businesses. The bombshell resignation…

  • Route reboot: Transport Ministry’s bus number shuffle leaves Bangkok commuters in chaos

    Route reboot: Transport Ministry’s bus number shuffle leaves Bangkok commuters in chaos

    The Transport Ministry announced a major overhaul of new bus route numbers, leaving commuters in disarray. Amidst the chaos, the ministry stands firm on its decision, sparking a wave of criticism from disgruntled passengers. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed today that he instructed the Land Transport Department to make modifications to all new route numbers, eliminating the dash between zone and…

  • Illegal Cambodian beggars ring busted in Pattaya

    Illegal Cambodian beggars ring busted in Pattaya

    The Thai authorities in Chon Buri province conducted a crackdown on illegal begging on Wednesday, targeting a Cambodian beggars’ ring in Pattaya. Led by Police chief Colonel Napatspong Khotsitsuriyamani and Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, the operation aimed to safeguard Pattaya’s tourism charm. What they discovered during their crackdown sent shockwaves through the city. In a bid to preserve the positive…

  • Thai astronomers unearth 13 ancient galaxies, smaller than a speck in the universe

    Thai astronomers unearth 13 ancient galaxies, smaller than a speck in the universe

    Thai astronomers have unravelled the mysteries of the universe by uncovering 13 low-mass galaxies, each a celestial relic from the dawn of time. The James Webb Space Telescope, their cosmic peephole, allowed them to peer into the very fabric of the early universe. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) harnessed the power of the James Webb Space Telescope,…

  • Thai PM Srettha and Cambodian PM engage in talks over air pollution crisis

    Thai PM Srettha and Cambodian PM engage in talks over air pollution crisis

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared his intention to engage in a crucial dialogue with Cambodian leader Hun Manet to tackle the alarming surge of transboundary air pollution. PM Srettha, expressing concern, revealed that a look at the satellite map shows that most of the relevant hotspots are in Cambodia, and the wind is blowing from the east. The MODIS satellite,…

  • Political turmoil: Activists demand lifetime ban for 44 MFP MPs for lese majeste law reform attempt

    Political turmoil: Activists demand lifetime ban for 44 MFP MPs for lese majeste law reform attempt

    Thai lawyer Teerayut Suwannakaesorn and political activist Sonthiya Sawatdee demanded that 44 Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs be permanently banned from politics after violating political ethics for supporting the reform of lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. Teerayut previously accused the MFP, along with its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, of attempting to overthrow the…

  • Tragic Nong Chak motorcycle accident claims life in rear-end collision

    Tragic Nong Chak motorcycle accident claims life in rear-end collision

    A tragic motorcycle accident unfolded today (February 2) on the Nong Chak-Phanat Nikhom road when a motorcyclist collided with the rear of a water truck and was killed instantly. The motorcyclist, identified as Phanuphong, was found dead at the scene, with his Yamaha MT-15 bike lying in a wreck nearby. Upon receiving the distress call, Police Lieutenant Channakan Duan Kham,…

  • Russian ransom: Gang grabs Belarusian couple in Phuket crypto con

    Russian ransom: Gang grabs Belarusian couple in Phuket crypto con

    Five members of a Russian gang have been apprehended for the kidnapping and extortion of a Belarusian couple in Phuket, forcing them to transfer 30 million baht (US$848,296) in cryptocurrency before abandoning them. The incident occurred on January 31, at a prominent hotel in the Talad Yai area of Mueang Phuket district. A tourist witnessed the couple being forcefully pushed…

  • Water pistol standoff and UFO jellyfish take top honours in wildlife photo competition

    Water pistol standoff and UFO jellyfish take top honours in wildlife photo competition

    A young girl pointing a water pistol at a monkey and a celestial squadron of jellyfish saucers have clinched top prizes at the 50th European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The captivating collection, featuring mischievous animals and breathtaking landscapes, drew over 1,000 entries from professionals spanning 36 countries, overwhelming judges with a staggering 19,000 submissions. Organised by the German Society for…

  • Thailand PM2.5 air pollution discussed at global summit

    Thailand PM2.5 air pollution discussed at global summit

    In a historic first for the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO), Thailand played host to the Role and Fate of Forest Ecosystems in a Changing World conference, where the PM2.5 situation was discussed. Over 80 experts from across the globe converged at King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to unpack the dire implications of air pollution and…

  • Bangkok air pollution levels exceed safety standards

    Bangkok air pollution levels exceed safety standards

    Air pollution in Bangkok and 30 provinces have been reported to exceed safe levels of PM2.5, according to the latest air quality monitoring. Despite some improvements forecasted for the coming week, public health warnings remain in place, advising residents in affected areas to minimise outdoor activities. As of 7am yesterday, the Air Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural…

  • Parcel predicament: Thai delivery rider dodges drug charge in watch swap scam

    Parcel predicament: Thai delivery rider dodges drug charge in watch swap scam

    A Thai delivery rider dodged a drug charge after a dealer tricked him into transporting crystal meth and ecstasy by claiming the parcel was a watch. The 38 year old delivery rider, identified as A, reported the discovery of the drugs to Hua Mark Police Station on January 31 at about 10.45pm. He reported to officers that he was hired…

  • Thailand to launch roadshow in China promoting 1 trillion baht Land Bridge project

    Thailand to launch roadshow in China promoting 1 trillion baht Land Bridge project

    Thailand’s Transport Ministry, headed by Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, announced yesterday that it would be launching a roadshow in China next month to promote the Land Bridge project. This announcement followed a recent visit by Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, who expressed China’s interest in the project. As a response, the Thai government is preparing to submit a project report…

  • Suspected extortion saga: Police nab key figure in Bangkok bust

    Suspected extortion saga: Police nab key figure in Bangkok bust

    Eakluck Wareechol, a key figure in a suspected extortion case involving serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, was apprehended by the police in his home located in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district yesterday morning. The arrest was carried out by a joint team of officers from the police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). This is…

  • Dagger drama: Thai woman stabs herself, spins murder tale to evade debt payments

    Dagger drama: Thai woman stabs herself, spins murder tale to evade debt payments

    A Thai woman stabbed herself in the stomach and fabricated an attempted murder scenario in an attempt to escape her debt repayments in the Isaan province of Buriram. Srinapa Srisopha, a 63 year old retired teacher, hurried 38 year old Wassana Srisanga to Satuek Hospital after she sustained a stab wound to the stomach. Srinapa clarified that Wassana had been…

  • Thailand to expect 1 million tourists from China and Hong Kong during CNY

    Thailand to expect 1 million tourists from China and Hong Kong during CNY

    Alipay+ reported a prediction from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that nearly 1 million foreign tourists, primarily from China and Hong Kong, are poised to flood into Thailand during the upcoming Chinese New Year, unleashing a potential economic windfall of 28.4 billion baht. Trip.com shared the staggering numbers, highlighting the skyrocketing outbound travel bookings from China leading up to…

  • Thailand set to sign free trade agreement with Sri Lanka

    Thailand set to sign free trade agreement with Sri Lanka

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka during his upcoming visit to the island nation this week, according to spokesperson Chai Watcharonke. This marks the 15th FTA for Thailand and the first since PM Srettha assumed office the previous year. PM Srettha’s visit comes at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Premier,…

  • TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best of the Best Destinations in 2024

    TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best of the Best Destinations in 2024

    Popular online travel platform Tripadvisor ranked Pattaya in Thailand 7th in the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination for 2024, suggesting the beach city is the perfect choice for great resorts, outdoor activities, cabaret and cultural tours. Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award Best of the Best for 2024, is divided into five categories including destinations, restaurants, beaches, hotels and…

  • Government and military suffer nearly 2,000 cyber attacks weekly

    Government and military suffer nearly 2,000 cyber attacks weekly

    Thailand is grappling with an alarming surge of cyber attacks, facing an unprecedented 1,892 assaults per week, far surpassing the global average. Check Point Software Technologies unveils shocking statistics in their latest Threat Intelligence Report, exposing the kingdom’s vulnerability to Cryptominer and Botnet malware, paving the way for phishing attacks and resource hijacking. The primary targets in the past six…

  • Thailand warns students about ‘rub hew’ courier service amid drug trafficking concerns

    Thailand warns students about ‘rub hew’ courier service amid drug trafficking concerns

    Authorities in Nonthaburi, Thailand, intercepted a suspicious package containing 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, concealed inside 15 seat cushions, on January 2. The package, which was addressed to the homeowner’s daughter studying in Australia, was discovered after the homeowner reported the package. In Thailand, a trend called rub hew, which translates to help carry, is common among young people studying abroad.…

  • Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video)

    Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video)

    A reckless police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed his pickup into a motorcycle and dragged a 12 year old boy along the road in the Isaan province of Roi Et, leaving the victim hospitalised and in critical condition. The crash between the two vehicles on Prem Pracharath Road was reported to Mueang Roi Et Police Station at 9.50am…

  • Thailand’s NSM Foundation uncovers five unique insect and one plant species

    Thailand’s NSM Foundation uncovers five unique insect and one plant species

    The National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation in Thailand recently uncovered five unique insect species and a novel plant species, bolstering the nation’s strides in the arena of scientific discovery. The revelation was made public by NSM President, Assistant Professor Rawin Raviwongse, last Wednesday. The insect species discovered encompass three distinct earwig species, namely Mongolabis chiangmaiensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023; Mongolabis…

  • Thailand’s rice exports expected to drop 14.4% amid global competition

    Thailand’s rice exports expected to drop 14.4% amid global competition

    A projected drop of 14.4% in Thailand’s rice exports is anticipated for this year, due to a combination of reduced production and increased global competition, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department. The department’s director-general, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, revealed that the estimate of 7.5 million tonnes of rice exports this year was jointly made with the Thai Rice Exporters Association. This…

  • Thai government aims to boost cross-border trade despite 2023 contraction

    Thai government aims to boost cross-border trade despite 2023 contraction

    The Thai government is aiming to reinvigorate its cross-border trade, including transit trade, this year following a 2.6% contraction in 2023, which saw the value fall to 1.7 trillion baht (US$48 billion). The Foreign Trade Department’s director-general, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, stated that the Commerce Ministry would expedite cross-border and transit trade according to the government’s investment promotion strategy for 2024-27. To…

  • Move Forward Party faces potential dissolution over royal insult laws

    Move Forward Party faces potential dissolution over royal insult laws

    The Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s main opposition, is on the brink of dissolution, following a petition submitted to the Election Commission (EC) by leading activists. The objection was lodged on account of the party’s position on royal insult laws. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a political activist, took his petition to the EC on Thursday, requesting the dissolution of the MFP. This…