Songkhla
- Environment News
Summer storm wreaks havoc in Hat Yai, southern Thailand
The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla was hit by a severe summer storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure. Billboards and electricity poles were toppled by the powerful gale. The incident occurred at 3pm, yesterday, May 5, and was covered by local media. Remarkably, despite the storm’s intensity, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The destructive storm…
- Thailand News
Songkhla power plant hit by armed assault and explosions
Armed individuals dressed in camouflage stormed a power plant in Songkhla province early morning today, setting off three explosions and burning tyres in a coordinated incident that caused significant disruption. The event unfolded around 12.10am, today, April 26, when surveillance footage captured clear images of four individuals armed with what appeared to be military-grade weapons. The most severe incident occurred…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves UNESCO Heritage Status for Songkhla
Thailand has set its sights on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for four ancient towns nestled within the southern province of Songkhla. The Cabinet’s resounding approval on April 9, marks a pivotal step towards immortalising the rich cultural tapestry of this southern gem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with crafting a proposal that was scheduled…
- Thailand News
Songkhla man arrested for multiple sexual offenses against teen
The arrest of a 43 year old man, Sativat, on charges of multiple sexual offenses in Songkhla province has triggered a meticulous police operation led by the Commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division. The suspect, identified as the father of the victim’s friends, is accused of committing heinous acts against a 17 year old girl, including rape and molestation. Yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Government lottery draw unveils six million baht prize in Songkhla
The latest draw of the Thai government lottery, held today, March 1 has been announced by the Government Lottery Office (GLO) with the results just released in Songkhla province. Participants can now check if their tickets have won prizes, including the coveted first prize, three-digit, and two-digit numbers, as well as numerous other rewards. The first prize, a staggering 6…
- Thailand News
Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel
Songkhla province is considering lifting restrictions on foreign-registered buses, potentially allowing them to cross provincial boundaries. The move aims to attract more visitors, predominantly from Malaysia, to explore other scenic destinations in southern Thailand, reveals a local tourism authority. President of the Phatthalung Tourism Association, Charoon Kaewwaveesub, disclosed today that Songkhla, in collaboration with the local land transport office, has…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Navy busts illegal oil smuggling ring in South Thailand
The Second Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a report about a boat allegedly involved in illicit oil smuggling to fishing vessels near Songkhla yesterday, February 8. In response, the RTN launched an investigation which uncovered a vessel specifically adapted for clandestine oil transportation, carrying an astonishing 10,000 litres of illicit oil intended for local fishermen…
- Thailand News
Songkhla community faces steep rent hike from temple land
Residents of the community surrounding Wat Khuan Mit in Songkhla raised concerns as the temple, which owns the land they reside on, dramatically increased the rent by twelvefold. The escalation in rental fees has led to severe hardship for the locals, many of whom have lived there since their ancestors’ time. Negotiations with the temple’s caretakers have not yielded any…
- Thailand News
7km bridge over Songkhla Lake to boost southern Thailand transport
Plans are underway to construct a 7 kilometre bridge over Songkhla Lake starting next year, a project aimed at enhancing regional transport in southern Thailand. This proposal includes a commitment to protect the local environment and wildlife, particularly the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins living within the lake. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has formed a pact with four other state…
- Thailand News
Sadao checkpoint: Entrepreneurs urge continued operation
Songkhla-based entrepreneurs in the Sadao district appealed to the government to keep the old Sadao immigration checkpoint operational alongside the new one. The move aims to stimulate both trade and tourism with Malaysia. The appeal follows the circulation of rumours concerning the government’s intention to close the Sadao checkpoint in preference for the newly constructed border checkpoint. The discussion involved…
- Thailand News
Gold necklace grabbed: Brazen bandit makes glittering 172,000 baht heist in southern Thailand
A daring theft took place in a well-known jewellery shop when a thief made off with a gold necklace worth 171,665 baht. The incident occurred today at the Yaowarat Gold Shop, located within a shopping mall in Chana district, Songkhla. The thief, identified as 34 year old Madaree, a security guard from Hat Yai, Songkhla, was apprehended shortly after the incident.…
- Thailand News
Threatening letter to Songkhla prosecutor prompts police investigation
A life-threatening letter directed at a provincial Songkhla prosecutor sparked a police investigation yesterday. The letter was a threat from a friend of 37 year old Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng Na Nod. Chaowalit escaped from Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22, where he was detained after a dental treatment. The handwritten letter, composed with a blue…
- South Thailand News
Monkey business cleaned up: Tourists cheer innovative solution at Samila Beach, Songkhla
Tourists visiting Samila Beach in Songkhla are delighted by an innovative solution to the issue of macaque monkeys scavenging through rubbish bins, causing odour and litter. Complaints had been previously made about the monkeys rummaging through the bins, spilling litter and creating a foul smell, disturbing the natural environment of the beach and causing fear among the visitors. The Songkhla…
- South Thailand News
Whooping cough warning: Pertussis cases surge, one fatality in southern Thailand
The Disease Control Department (DCD) in Songkhla province reported an alarming increase in the number of cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, particularly among children. The department confirmed the diagnosis of two patients in the region, with one fatality in Pattani province. The disease, caused by the bacteria B. pertussis, is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing,…
- Crime News
Songkhla shooting: 67 year old man fatally shot, motorcycle and gun stolen
In a brutal act of violence, a 67 year old man was shot and killed last night in his home in Songkhla, Thailand. The perpetrator swiftly fled the scene, stealing the victim’s gun and motorcycle. Police are meticulously investigating the case, which they believe was driven by a long-standing grudge. The deceased, identified as Arun, a 67 year old local,…
- Crime News
Songkhla mother alleges neighbour tricked son into drug use
A mother in the province of Songkhla has filed a complaint with the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Women and Children, claiming that her 10 year old son has recently been showing signs of drug abuse. His erratic behaviour included destructiveness, verbal abuse towards family members, and attempting to harm a cat. The distressing behavioural shift came to a head when…
- South Thailand News
Juicy bust: Thai police squeeze illicit kratom factory
A substantial operation by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) yesterday, culminated in the seizure of an illicit factory manufacturing kratom leaf juice. The raid led to the confiscation of around 3000 bottles of cough syrup, three guns, and the arrest of one suspect. The RTP stormed into the clandestine factory situated along Khlong Toei-Khlong Ple Road nearby the Kho Hong…
- South Thailand News
Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not traditional wax candles, for Lent
A temple in Songkhla province put up a clear sign requesting that instead of offering traditional wax candles for the upcoming Buddhist Lent, supporters should donate solar cells. The use of local language on the signage has added a touch of levity and sparked conversation amongst the community. Lieb Temple has grabbed attention with its unique request showcased on banners…
- Crime News
Songkran murder fugitive captured after 18-year hunt
In the province of Songkhla, police finally ended a decades-long hunt for a suspect in a Songkran murder case. Police yesterday apprehended a 38 year old native of Klong Hoy Khong, Songkhla, who has been on the run for 18 years. The dramatic events unfolded during the celebrations of Songkran in 2005. Chaitawat, along with his two allies, found themselves…
- Crime News
20 illegal Myanmar migrants captured in Thailand on way to Malaysia
In a new development on Thailand’s immigration issues, 20 illegal migrants from Myanmar were captured in their pursuit of work in Malaysia. The migrants were hiding at an abandoned property in Sadao, a district forming part of the southern border province Songkhla. Acting on collected intelligence yesterday suggesting the house was sheltering those travelling unlawfully to Malaysia, Immigration and local…
- Crime News
Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting
A swift police operation on illegal immigration yesterday resulted in the apprehension of 23 individuals in Songkhla, a province in southern Thailand. Four of them were Thai citizens acting as drivers, and the remaining 19 were Bangladeshis, who were identified as unlawful immigrants. Following an informant’s tip-off about chances of illegal immigration, the local law enforcement swung into action, anticipating…
- Thailand News
Shell shock: Songkla beach residents bemoan mussel decline
Residents around the Samila Beach area in Songkhla reported a decline in the green mussel population stating that it’s had a negative effect on the community who rely on them as a source of food. Small-sized mussels remain unsuitable for consumption, and it is estimated that the population requires further growth before harvesting is possible. Today, it was reported that the number…
- Road deaths
Two women killed as motorbike swerves to avoid truck and is crushed by trailer
Two women were tragically killed when their motorcycle collided with a trailer after swerving to avoid a pick-up truck making a U-turn on a road in Sadao district of Thailand’s Songkhla province. The victims, believed to be Myanmar migrant workers who were 25 to 30 years old, were run over by the trailer. Between last night and this morning, officers…
- Thailand News
Songkhla Lake bridge project raises concerns for Thailand’s last Irrawaddy dolphins
Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of a proposed bridge across Songkhla Lake in Thailand on the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population. Environmentalist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted the importance of conservation efforts to protect the last 14 remaining Thai dolphins. Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, an expert in marine science and environmental issues, took to social media to express concerns…
- South Thailand News
South Thailand bus crash leaves 10 wounded
A bus crash in South Thailand‘s Songkhla province left 10 people wounded yesterday morning. The bus was carrying 30 passengers from Bangkok to Hat Yai. Rattaphum Police were alerted to the incident on Asia Road in the Kamphaengphet sub-district of Rattaphum district. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found the bus on the side of the road. Ten injured…
- Thailand News
Southern Thailand’s struggle to attract foreign investors
The Southern Region Industrial Estate in Songkhla province of Thailand is unusually quiet. Long winding roads, usually bustling with heavy vehicles, are mostly empty. There are only two industrial estates in southern Thailand, the other being the Songkla Industrial Estate. In total, there are 67 industrial estates across the country. Sirianya Pornsuwankun, a tenant of the Southern Region Industrial Estate…
- Crime News
Thai man beheads his uncle
A Thai man murdered and beheaded his biological uncle yesterday in Songkhla province in southern Thailand. At 8am, officers at Rattaphum Police Station received a report of a murder behind a house in Khao Phra subdistrict. Police found the body of 56 year old Wasana [surname withheld] lying on his side. The deceased’s head was missing and nowhere to be…
- Thailand News
Pervy man caught on CCTV sniffing woman’s underwear and licking her shoes
A Thai woman in the southern province of Songkhla filed a complaint with the police after a CCTV camera captured footage of a perverted man climbing over a wall into her house, sniffing her underwear and licking her shoes before leaving. The 28 year old victim, Raenu, posted videos of the incident on a Facebook group named HATYAIZ to warn residents…
- Crime News
Three suspected Burmese migrants found brutally murdered in southern Thailand forest
Police have launched a murder investigation after the bodies of three men were found dumped in a forest in Songkhla province in southern Thailand yesterday. Police suspect the men were migrant workers, possibly from Myanmar. At 7.30am, officers at Bang Klam Police Station were informed that three men were found dead at a fly-tipping spot in the forest, around 200…
- Thailand News
Woman accused of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats
A woman is in police custody after residents in the southern province of Songkhla accused her of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats. Yaowaluck Boonchum was accused by a cat owner of being into the occult after killing her five-month-old Persian cat as a sacrifice. The 44 year old woman denied the allegations, saying she is a cat lover,…
