News

Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.

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  • Central Festival Phuket installs life-saving automatic external defibrillators

    Central Festival Phuket installs life-saving automatic external defibrillators

    PHUKET: Central Festival Phuket has became the first Central shopping mall in Thailand to have Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for use in the treatment of heart attack victims. Motivated by the death of a patron about four months ago, Central Festival made the AEDs available in conjunction with a new medical bay operated by Phuket International Hospital which opened in…

  • Phuket officers push LINE for drug crime clues

    Phuket officers push LINE for drug crime clues

    PHUKET: A popular social networking application that was recently used to locate a missing man with Alzheimer’s disease (story here) will be used to help police crack down on drugs in Phuket. The use of LINE by police was announced yesterday at Phuket Provincial Hall by Phuket Vice Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada. The provincial government has established a group on LINE…

  • Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Amnesty Bill heats political conflict to a boil; Anti-ICJ protesters told to avoid border; Ancient hand cannons found

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Amnesty Bill heats political conflict to a boil; Anti-ICJ protesters told to avoid border; Ancient hand cannons found

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Amnesty push makes political conflict more likely The Nation/Phuket GazettePHUKET: October has seen important political changes in the past – notably, a student-led uprising in 1973 and a massacre of protesters at Thammasat University in 1976.This year, a new round of political conflict is simmering after the…

  • Phuket Gazette World News: US to keep spying; Syrian chemical weapons destroyed; Congo rebels on brink of defeat

    Phuket Gazette World News: US to keep spying; Syrian chemical weapons destroyed; Congo rebels on brink of defeat

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community U.S. Senate panel passes plan to restrict but keep mass surveillance Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee approved legislation yesterday that would tighten controls on the government’s sweeping electronic eavesdropping programs but allow them to continue. In a classified hearing, the panel…

  • Phuket airport tackles Chinese tourists’ immigration queue congestion

    Phuket airport tackles Chinese tourists’ immigration queue congestion

    PHUKET: Officials attempted to tackle the issue of immigration congestion at Phuket International Airport caused by the island’s largest inbound tourist market, the Chinese.Chinese tourists who arrive on charter flights are often not given the TM6 arrival and departure card required by immigration. As a result, they are forced to queue up for the card in the immigration arrival hall,…

  • “Brother Pom’ says he’s clear of extortion charges; DSI disagrees

    “Brother Pom’ says he’s clear of extortion charges; DSI disagrees

    PHUKET: Pom Sukkasem, the leader of the Central Festival taxi group arrested in September on extortion charges, has announced that the charges have been dropped. However, the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) begs to differ. “I reported to the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday as required, and I was told that the prosecutor decided not to pursue my case,”…

  • Phuket airport aims to bring swift justice to shoplifters

    Phuket airport aims to bring swift justice to shoplifters

    PHUKET: Phuket International Airport has established a new policy for dealing with airport shoplifters.Passengers suspected of shoplifting in the airport who attempt to escape prosecution by boarding their flights will now be asked to deplane to be arrested. However, the arrest and the retrieval of the passenger’s luggage must all be completed within an hour.The announcement, made on October 29,…

  • Phuket woman transfers over 2 million baht to alleged Facebook scammer

    Phuket woman transfers over 2 million baht to alleged Facebook scammer

    PHUKET: A woman believed by police to be entangled in an intricate Facebook scam transferred 2 million baht into a Thanachart Bank account and 48,000 baht into a Bangkok Bank account based in Phuket. The 53-year-old woman, named only as “Ms A” by police, filed a complaint to Wichit Police yesterday after being asked to transfer an additional 2.3 million…

  • King cobra joins guest in hotel room, gets evicted [video report] | Thaiger

    King cobra joins guest in hotel room, gets evicted [video report]

    PHUKET: A foreign tourist staying at at hotel in Bang Tao on Tuesday night had an uninvited visitor enter his room: a two-meter long king cobra.Thanakorn Puyati, 29, a security guard at Bangtao Beach Gardens, was called to the scene, and quickly summoned Kusoldharm rescue workers. “We rushed to the hotel and found a frightened foreigner and his Thai girlfriend…

  • Social network app helps finds missing Alzheimer’s patient

    Social network app helps finds missing Alzheimer’s patient

    PHUKET: A man with Alzheimer’s disease who went missing last Saturday was located on Sunday, within hours of police posting a notice on a popular social network site. Benjawan Moonket reported her 60-year-old father, Muang Moonket, missing to Thalang Police at about 5pm on Sunday (story here). Officers shared the information via Line, a social networking application, and about three…

  • USA’s Kessy joins up with Sweat to top Pool G at Phuket Open

    USA’s Kessy joins up with Sweat to top Pool G at Phuket Open

    PHUKET: USA’s Jennifer Kessy and Brooke Sweat top Pool G after securing two wins on the first day of pool play at the 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball Phuket Open yesterday. The penultimate Open of the year is back in Thailand for its eighth consecutive year, taking place from October 28 to November 3. Kessy/Sweat were first on court at 9:00…

  • Report: Global wealth has doubled since 2000

    Report: Global wealth has doubled since 2000

    PHUKET: A decade of negative real returns on equities, as well as more recent bear markets and housing bubbles bursting, has understandably made commentators cautious, even when there is good economic news. Nevertheless, the 2013 CrĂ©dit Suisse Global Wealth Report published recently has concluded that in spite of all this, global wealth has more than doubled since 2000, reaching a…

  • Phuket Gazette World News: Dogged by dissent, Israel frees 26; Politicians talk too much – Britain; NSA defends spying

    Phuket Gazette World News: Dogged by dissent, Israel frees 26; Politicians talk too much – Britain; NSA defends spying

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Dogged by dissent, Israel frees 26 Palestinian prisoners Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Israel freed 26 Palestinian prisoners on Wednesday, the second stage of a limited amnesty designed to help U.S.-sponsored peace talks that have been dogged by divisions on both sides.The inmates, convicted of murder in the…

  • Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Abhisit, Suthep ready for trial as amnesty bill anger set to explode; Police name suspect in veteran’s murder

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Abhisit, Suthep ready for trial as amnesty bill anger set to explode; Police name suspect in veteran’s murder

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Abhisit, Suthep ‘ready to face trial’ The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: The two top Democrats facing charges over the 2010 political mayhem declared yesterday that they were ready to face trial and fight for their corner in court. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and MP Suthep Thaugsuban also…

  • It’s raining snakes in Phuket Town

    It’s raining snakes in Phuket Town

    PHUKET: Recent heavy rainfall has led to a jump in large snakes being nabbed in Phuket, with four rounded up in Phuket Town in the last 24 hours.One of the four giant snakes, a three-meter python, made a dramatic entry into a Phuket Town bedroom by tumbling through a vent.“I heard noise that sounded like something had fallen off my…

  • In memory of “Mrs Palmer of the Phuket Hash House Harriers’

    In memory of “Mrs Palmer of the Phuket Hash House Harriers’

    Well-known local healer and Phuket triathlete Richard Patrick Cracknell, 66, passed away in Hawaii in the care of his son Jesse on October 24. He succumbed to complications arising from an idiopathic degenerative motor neuron disease (MND).PHUKET: This singular American athlete and healer, known by the Phuket Hash House Harriers (Phuket HHH) as Mrs Palmer, arrived in Phuket in the…

  • Phuket Opinion: Climate change of opinion

    Phuket Opinion: Climate change of opinion

    PHUKET: Whenever I read the letters in a national newspaper, or dare to utter the phrase “climate change” in a bar, someone invariably seems to want to take issue with the idea of global warming. There have always been skeptics – usually from vested commercial or political interests. Proponents of climate change have been branded “criminals” by Lord Monckton, advocates…

  • Enough power to keep Phuket aglow this high season

    Enough power to keep Phuket aglow this high season

    PHUKET: Phuket will have plenty of electricity supply for residents and tourists during the coming high season, Natthaporn Kochsiripong, an officer at the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority (PPEA) ensured the Phuket Gazette yesterday.“We have a capacity of 580 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) to support Phuket residents,” Mr Natthaporn said.“Demand has never exceeded 420 MVA, and this high season we expect a…

  • New Region 8 Police Commander demands crime-free beaches

    New Region 8 Police Commander demands crime-free beaches

    PHUKET: The new Police Region 8 Commander on Sunday demanded that officers in Karon and Patong include beaches in their patrol zones. “In order for tourists to truly relax and have a good time, they must feel safe, even on the beach,” said Police Region 8 Commander Panya Mamen on his first official visit to Phuket. In Karon, Lt Gen…

  • Phuket’s Thanyapura extends its challenge

    Phuket’s Thanyapura extends its challenge

    PHUKET: The island’s active and healthy lifestyle destination, Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Center, is extending its commitments to developing sporting excellence in athletes and enthusiasts of all abilities and ages by hosting the Thanyapura Junior Challenge Triathlon, part of the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest 2013, on Saturday, November 30. With participants divided into Junior (6-8 years), Intermediate (9-12) and Senior…

  • Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Bomb disposal veteran killed; Business says no to blanket amnesty; Drug mule caught with 7kg of cocaine

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Bomb disposal veteran killed; Business says no to blanket amnesty; Drug mule caught with 7kg of cocaine

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Revered bomb disposal expert among 3 killed The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Pol Sub-Lt Shaen Warongphaisit, a police bomb-disposal veteran whose face was familiar to both locals and reporters covering the South insurgency, was yesterday laid to rest from his tiring and dangerous job after succumbing to…

  • Phuket police grab privates in theft case

    Phuket police grab privates in theft case

    PHUKET: Three privates in the Army were arrested yesterday on charges stemming from the theft of a handgun and other property from the home of a policeman.The theft that tipped police off to the military men’s activities occurred early on the morning of October 12 at the home of Patong police officer Sgt Rongrot Pecharat.“Sgt Rongrot reported that a .38…

  • Former Central Festival Phuket security guard robs shops of ex-employer

    Former Central Festival Phuket security guard robs shops of ex-employer

    PHUKET: Police arrested a former Central Festival mall security guard yesterday for stealing over two dozen phones from the mall.Kitti Pueanrak, 23, went to the mall to watch an evening movie on October 21, said Wichit Police Deputy Superintendent Jakkrawath Boontaweekulsawas.When the movie ended, Mr Kitti went down the escalator and slipped into the mobile phone section one floor below.…

  • Low minimum access to a Wall Street legend

    Low minimum access to a Wall Street legend

    PHUKET: I have followed the performance of the Abraham Trading Company for many years but it has always been off limits for use with the vast majority of my clients. As has happened with a lot of high-class money managers recently, a low minimum feeder has been opened that allows access to your average offshore investor. What I like about…

  • Daughter pleas for help in finding missing father

    Daughter pleas for help in finding missing father

    PHUKET: A distressed woman made a public plea for help in the search for her father, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and wandered away from home on Saturday afternoon.Benjawan Moonket, 29, filed a missing person report with the Thalang Police at about 5:30pm yesterday.“The missing person is Muang Moonket, 60. He was last seen at about 1pm on Saturday,…

  • Mizsy Phuket brings ray of sunshine in dour affair

    Mizsy Phuket brings ray of sunshine in dour affair

    PHUKET: Most of the nearly 1,800 fans who attended Phuket FC’s final home match of the season had little to cheer about after their side was downed 1-0 by last-placed Rayong United in a disappointing match on Saturday night in Phuket Town. Indeed, the halftime presentation of “Mizsy Phuket” finalists proved to be the evening’s highlight for the home fans,…

  • Ships, planes north of Phuket warned of possible Indian rocket fallout

    Ships, planes north of Phuket warned of possible Indian rocket fallout

    PHUKET: Ships and planes were warned yesterday to stay away from the Phang Nga coast, north of Phuket, on November 5 as India will launch a rocket that might jettison a fuel tank into the area.“India’s space center told us that the launch would possibly be on November 5, because the weather on that day is expected to be suitable…

  • 100 SuperCheap workers unaccounted for at Employment Office

    100 SuperCheap workers unaccounted for at Employment Office

    PHUKET: None of the 100 Burmese staff who reportedly resigned from SuperCheap after the fire at the megashop have reported their resignations to the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO).The workers are required by law to report their resignation by November 1, Yaowapa Pibulpol, chief of the PPEO, told the Phuket Gazette.“I have no idea why none of them have shown…

  • Heavy drinking Phuket chef, 44, found dead from heart failure

    Heavy drinking Phuket chef, 44, found dead from heart failure

    PHUKET: A 44-year-old chef was found dead from heart failure in his room on Friday, just a week after starting a new job. The body of Chalong Tiwiyang was found on the floor of his staff bedroom at Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa at about 6pm on Friday evening. Police estimate Mr Chalong had been dead for about 10 hours.…

  • Heavy rains to continue in Phuket until tomorrow afternoon

    Heavy rains to continue in Phuket until tomorrow afternoon

    PHUKET: Heavy rains are expected in all regions along the Andaman coast until tomorrow afternoon, an officer at the Thai Meteorological Department told the Phuket Gazette this morning.Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun will all be affected. Tourists should avoid swimming in the sea for the next two days, as the surf is likely to be particularly dangerous, the…