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5 hidden healthcare costs in Thailand and how to avoid them
Thailand's healthcare system is affordable and supported by the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, offering essential services to most citizens. However, hidden healthcare costs can surprise patients and lead to unexpected expenses. These include specialist fees, insurance gaps, emergency services,...
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Thai prime minister: Army anti-drug efforts on Myanmar border
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the army to intensify its efforts to curb illicit drug smuggling along the Myanmar frontier. The directive was issued yesterday, December 5, during a meeting with the army chief, General Songwit Noonpackdee. The prime minister specifically emphasised the importance of the military’s collaboration with the police in executing this task. PM Srettha also stressed the…
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Torrential rain warning issued for 29 Thai provinces: Bangkok included
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for torrential rain across 29 provinces, including Bangkok. This is due to a high-pressure system from China spreading over Thailand’s upper and northeastern regions. The southern region will bear the brunt of the storm, with a strong monsoon predicted. The officials have further revealed that temperatures in the upper regions of the…
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Thailand commits to release of Thai captives held by Hamas
Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to secure the release of all remaining Thai captives held hostage in Palestine. The 61 year old Thai PM dispelled circulating rumours concerning the government’s intention to abandon the remaining captives, asserting that their liberation would have to wait until the next ceasefire. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara…
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Foreign man dies in tragic Pattaya road accident: Intentional act or mishap?
The bustling city of Pattaya witnessed a sorrowful scene on Sukhumvit Road in the early hours of yesterday when a foreign man lost his life in a traffic accident. The driver of the vehicle involved reported that the man had intentionally leapt in front of his car, thereby causing the fatal collision. Pattaya police were alerted to the incident at…
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Rise in meningitis cases sparks health concerns in Thailand ahead of new year
Thailand has recorded nearly 100 cases of meningitis, also known as swine fever, this year, resulting in four fatalities in Nakhon Ratchasima. The disease, caused by a bacterium found in raw pork and blood, is raising concerns as festivities for the new year approaches. Dr Thaweechai Wisanuyotin, Director of the Disease Prevention and Control Office, revealed that between January 1…
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Drastic drop in Thai gold prices today following recent surge
Gold prices in Thailand have plummeted drastically today following a continuous surge, according to the Gold Traders Association. The price of gold ornaments fell by 250 baht compared to the last price yesterday, selling at 34,450 baht per baht-weight. The buying price of gold bars in the country stands at 33,850 baht per baht-weight and the selling price is 33,950…
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Young clinician’s tragic death raises questions on Thai air pollution
The problem of PM 2.5 Thai air pollution has been highlighted by the unfortunate case of 28 year old Kritthai Tansombatitkul, a clinician and statistician at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, who passed away from late-stage lung cancer. Despite living a healthy lifestyle and not smoking, he was diagnosed with the disease at a young age, leading many…
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Certainties of life: Death, taxes, and ladyboys robbing Indian men of gold in Pattaya
There are several certainties guaranteed in life, death and taxes, US interference in other countries’ foreign policies, and ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men ostentatiously flaunting their gold. In the vibrant streets of Pattaya, where the night unfolds with many unexpected tales, a recent incident involving a pickpocketing ladyboy added another chapter to ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men of…
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Reckless truck driver leads Thai police on a high-speed chase
A death-defying high-speed chase unfolded yesterday on the bustling Kanchanaphisek Expressway Road in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan. At around 3.30pm, December 4, Thailand Traffic Police found themselves in hot pursuit of a truck that had evaded their stop and had proceeded to recklessly cause damage to over 20 vehicles. The chase ended in four police officers sustaining injuries. Officers from…
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Thai road safety groups challenge extended bar hours over drink-driving fears
Alcohol temperance and road safety groups are challenging the new government decision to allow late-night bars and clubs in major Thai cities to extend opening hours until 4am. The critics argue that the authorities failed to make necessary arrangements to avert potential alcohol-related mishaps. This protest follows an announcement made by the Interior Ministry nearly a week ago, permitting bars…
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First human eye transplant performed on American man
The world’s first-ever human eye transplant has been performed on an American man, following previous successful facial transplants. The medical advancement is significant, although it remains uncertain whether the recipient will regain sight in his newly transplanted left eye. During work, a high-voltage electrical accident severely damaged the face and one eye of 46 year old Aaron James from Hot…
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BCPG to divest its nine solar farms in Japan for strategic reinvestment
BCPG Plc, Bangchak Group’s power generation subsidiary, is planning to divest all its nine solar farms in Japan, in a strategic move to revamp its long-term investment in renewable energy. The assets on sale include equity worth 6.93 billion baht and net debt totalling 3.44 billion baht. The company has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Danish renewable energy…
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Easy e-receipt programme set to kick off next year in Thailand
A newly approved tax refund scheme, aimed at stimulating domestic spending and promoting the use of electronic invoices, is set to kick off early next year, the Finance Ministry confirmed on Monday. The so-called Easy E-Receipt programme allows individuals to claim a tax deduction of up to 50,000 baht on goods and services purchases from businesses backed by the e-tax…
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Kanchanaburi police hunt for murderer who taunts cops with Facebook riddle
Police in Kanchanaburi are racing against time to apprehend a brutal murderer who allegedly shot a transgender woman dead in an apparent robbery. The suspect, obviously a fan of serial killer movies, then audaciously taunted authorities and friends of the victim by using her stolen phone to post a chilling riddle on her Facebook account asking, “Do you know who…
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Rayong woman arrested for alleged minor sex trade and drug distribution
Unfolding in the heart of Rayong, a woman suspected of operating a minor sex trade and drug distribution network has surrendered to the police. This dramatic event unfolded yesterday, December 4, rooted in allegations from two teenage victims who had reached out to a local Facebook page, Zoom Rayong, claiming they had been held captive and exploited in a house…
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Major drug bust in Thailand seizes 2 tonnes of meth bound for Philippines and Australia
In a major drug bust, authorities last night apprehended 13 suspects and confiscated 2 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine from a large tugboat in Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. The narcotics, believed to be headed for the Philippines and Australia, were discovered during a late-night search operation by marine and narcotics suppression police. As law enforcement officers arrived, several individuals attempted to…
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Amnesty angst: Deputy PM dishes on MFP’s controversial bill, lese majeste sparks political fireworks
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that the proposed amnesty bill by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition, sparked controversy among various political parties due to its provision for lese majeste offences. Phumtham, also the Commerce Minister and a senior member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, indicated that while many parties agree with the amnesty bill’s objectives,…
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Impending storm to hit 25 provinces in Thailand, TMD warns
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today for heavy rainfall in 25 provinces, with a looming storm set to inundate the southern region. The sudden flash floods are expected to be followed by another cold weather spell from tomorrow, December 6 to Friday, December 8. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast indicates that a high-pressure system or cold air mass…
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Bus crash near Wanakorn Park claims 14 lives, injures 35
A fatal collision involving a Bangkok-Na Thawi tour bus claimed 14 lives and injured 35 today. The bus, registered under number 14-3301 hit a tree, splitting into two at Huai Yang, Thap Sakae, near the entrance to Wanakorn National Park. At 1am, Anant Totuang, the Deputy Investigation Inspector of Huai Yang Police Station, Thap Sakae District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province,…
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Prominent Thai scientist faces backlash for threatening behaviour
A prominent figure in the world of science in Thailand came under fire for his threatening behaviour. The renowned Thai scientist Ajarn Pong Pang, however, denied any sexual misconduct, admitting to offensive language usage that caused the harm. The controversy began when a woman posted about an idol-level scientist’s threatening behaviour, both physically and mentally, affecting several individuals. Following this,…
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Funding halt stalls Phu Kradueng cable car project over environmental concerns
The Phu Kradueng cable car project, a long-anticipated tourist attraction in Thailand’s Loei province, is currently stalled as concerns over the environmental impact have led to a halt in funding approval by the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Patcharawat Wongsuwan. Following a mobile Cabinet gathering in Nong Bua Lamphu, Patcharawat revealed that the Cabinet refrained from greenlighting the necessary budget…
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Young man electrocuted while scavenging in abandoned Pattaya rental
The quiet city of Pattaya was jolted by a tragic incident on December 3 when a 25 year old man was electrocuted in an abandoned rental room. Thepprathan Kamjornklang met his untimely death in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district of Chon Buri province, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the community. At approximately 11.30am, Pattaya law enforcement was alerted…
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Drunk police officer kills motorcyclist in Kanchanaburi
A fatal drink driving accident unfolded in Kanchanaburi, when an inebriated police officer struck a motorcycle, instantly killing the rider. The officer, who was behind the wheel of his pick-up truck, was found with a blood alcohol level of 300 milligrammes per decilitre (mg/dL), six times over the legal limit of 50 mg/dL. Tha Muang police were alerted to the…
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German documentary reignites sex tourism concerns for Thailand’s Pattaya
Concerns are being raised about the potential damage to Thailand’s overall tourism market due to a documentary by German media organisation Deutsche Welle (DW), which highlights Pattaya as a sex tourism destination. This documentary is currently blocked in Thailand. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), recalls a similar report about sex tourism in Pattaya from…
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Thai PBS proposes 4K broadcasting trial to combat streaming threat
Thai Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), in a bid to stay in line with the global trend of upgrading broadcast technology, has proposed a trial of the 4K high-resolution broadcasting platform. This would broadcast content in 16 provinces across Thailand, said the public broadcaster. This move is seen as crucial to combat the rising threat of streaming platforms in the broadcasting…
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Parliament to consult on charter amendment referendum
Upon the resumption of the Parliament session on December 12, MPs and senators will be consulted on the method of conducting a referendum on a charter amendment, revealed the head of a referendum hearing sub-panel, Nikorn Chamnong. He plans to forward a questionnaire to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker, and Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, who will request their…
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Thai PM plans revision of 5.1 billion baht for national art and culture
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The Thai prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy. PM Srettha’s statements followed the NSPDC’s second…
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Arrest made in Chon Buri domestic violence case involving firearm threats to wife and child
In the Khao Mai Kaeo region of Thailand’s Chon Buri province, a 53 year old man was arrested following a domestic violence incident involving his wife and child and a firearm. The alarming event unfolded in a rental room within the Ban Phu Sai Village, Khao Mai Kaeo sub-district, Banglamung district, at approximately 7pm on December 3. The police were…
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Bangkok bus crash causes 18-vehicle pile-up on Phaya Thai Road
In the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Bangkok, a startling multi-vehicle collision occurred on Phaya Thai Road, right in front of the esteemed Chulalongkorn University. On this day, at 6:35pm, the Pathumwan Police Station was inundated with calls reporting a significant collision involving no fewer than 18 vehicles, which resulted in four individuals sustaining injuries. The scene…
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Thailand poised to become regional hub for electric vehicle production
Thailand is stepping into the spotlight as a potential regional centre for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, bolstered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s confidence and support. This sentiment was shared with the public on December 1 by the Government Spokesperson, Chai Watcharong. PM Srettha has reportedly been working closely with various agencies to encourage and aid international private entities, particularly those…
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