A bustling Thursday on the picturesque island of Koh Phangan took an unexpected turn when a couple of foreign nationals were nabbed by the tourist police for working without the necessary permits. The spotlight fell on a 34-year-old Russian and his Turkish counterpart during separate operations that had more drama than an action-packed thriller. In Moo 1 village, the Russian native was caught in the act, meticulously installing a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system along with a smorgasbord of audio-visual equipment right outside a popular eatery. He probably didn’t see his own arrest coming, but the CCTV cameras, conduit pipes, wires, and tool set he was using became part of the evidence against him. Talk about getting caught red-handed! Upon questioning, the Russian informed the authorities he was officially employed as a marketing manager, pocketing a neat 41,300 baht per month. However, life as a marketing maestro wasn’t his only gig.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a thrilling twist for Thailand’s urban transport scene, ride-hailing heavyweight Bolt has unveiled an astounding surge in the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on its platform. This buoyant announcement coincides with the nation’s celebration of World Car Free Day, casting a bright spotlight on Thai commuters’ burgeoning love for greener travel choices. Freshly released data from Bolt reveals that its ‘Green’ category, showcasing electric and hybrid vehicles, has achieved a jaw-dropping 257.5% hike in active EV cars. These eco-friendly marvels have cumulatively clocked over 4.51 million kilometers, which, fun fact, is equivalent to making approximately 112 journeys around our beloved Earth’s equator! Nathadon Suksiritarnan, the dynamic General Manager of Bolt Thailand, couldn’t contain his excitement, “This triumph underscores our users’ rising consciousness and dedication to electric and hybrid shared mobility. It shines a light on the fact that Thais are not only opting for lower-emission methods for personal travel…
In a dramatic twist of nature’s fury, floods continue to ravage six provinces across Thailand, spreading from the picturesque North to the lively South. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation announced on Thursday that this relentless surge of water has entrenched itself in Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok in the North, Nong Khai and Bueng Kan in the Northeast, Ayutthaya in the Central Plains, and Satun in the South. Alas, 33,667 households are grappling with the repercussions of these persistent floods. Turning our gaze to the northern frontier, the waters have reluctantly begun to recede in the districts of Mae Sai and Muang in Chiang Rai. In neighboring Phitsanulok, the river’s wrath remains steady in Phrom Phiram, Bang Rakam, and Muang districts. It’s a bit of a seesaw in Nong Khai, where the tide is finally turning with water levels dropping in Sangkhom, Sri Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Muang, Ratana…
The roadside shops along Banthat Thong Road in Pathum Wan district are set to transform into a pedestrian paradise this weekend as tourists flock on Jan 19, 2024. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Get ready for an extraordinary experience as Bangkok gears up to celebrate Car Free Day this weekend on Banthat Thong Road! This vibrant event, dubbed “Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life,” syncs perfectly with the annual World Car Free Day on September 22, as revealed by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. This coming Friday, the charismatic Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with his enthusiastic team, will stream live on Facebook, diving into the riveting details of an innovative transportation project designed to broaden travel options within the bustling city. This ambitious project roots itself in the “First Mile-Last Mile” concept, fervently encouraging the use of public transportation over personal vehicles, thus envisioning a cleaner, greener urban…
As the sun rose over the idyllic island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani last Thursday, a rather unexpected spectacle unfolded outside a quaint local eatery. A Russian man, seemingly engrossed in his task, was meticulously installing a CCTV system. Little did he know, his diligent efforts were about to take an unexpected turn. The tranquillity of Moo 1 village was momentarily disrupted as tourist police arrived on the scene. With cameras, conduit pipes, wires, and a tool set in tow, the 34-year-old Russian was promptly arrested for working without the necessary permits. Though his precise handiwork might have impressed onlookers, it didn’t quite win over the authorities. Speaking to the police, the Russian man revealed his role as a marketing manager at a local company. A respectable job, granted, earning him a monthly salary of 41,300 baht. However, the plot thickened as he disclosed an additional assignment given by…

Spain and Morocco Aid Portugal’s Wildfire Battle: International Support Brings Hope Amid Devastation
In a remarkable display of international solidarity, Spain and Morocco have stepped up to bolster Portugal’s exhausted emergency services, as deadly wildfires continue to ravage central and northern regions of the country. This news, announced by the civil protection authority on Wednesday, brings a glimmer of hope and much-needed reinforcement to the front lines of this devastating natural disaster. As the relentless flames consume vast swathes of land, the brave firefighters on the ground have been working around the clock, battling not just the fires but the fatigue and despair that come with such a grueling mission. The arrival of additional resources from neighboring countries could not have come at a more critical time. Spain, Portugal’s immediate neighbor to the east, has dispatched a seasoned team of firefighters and equipment to lend their expertise and strength. Their vast experience in combating wildfires will be invaluable in coordinating an effective response.…
Military personnel stood watch as hundreds of refugees made their way across the river frontier between Myanmar and Thailand on April 13, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) In a bid to stabilize its border areas and keep essential trade routes open, the government of Thailand is pushing to repair a crucial highway slicing through conflict-ridden Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa announced the initiative on Thursday, emphasizing the need for collaboration with opposing factions in Myanmar. The strategic effort to revamp parts of the Asian Highway 1 (AH-1), damaged amid the ongoing strife, has found backing from not only the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) but also India. Addressing reporters, Mr. Maris elaborated on the goal of this ambitious plan. “I don’t think Myanmar’s problems can be addressed militarily, but through constructive dialogue,” he stated. The turmoil in Myanmar traces back to February 2021, when a military coup ousted the elected…
Policemen place barricades next to a large rock that fell during a landslide caused by heavy rain in the Patong municipality of Kathu district, Phuket province, on Wednesday. (Photo: Patong police station) Buckle up, Thailand! Weather aficionados, intrigue-seekers, and casual readers, gather ’round for the latest meteorological mayhem. A depression, poised to evolve into a full-fledged tropical storm, is racing towards Vietnam, packing wind speeds of 55 kilometers per hour. This atmospheric ruckus, located about 300km northeast of Vietnam’s Quang Tri province, is set to make landfall on Thursday or Friday. Our trusty meteorological soothsayer, Director-General Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, predicts a parade of pluvial pandemonium until the final curtain drops on Monday. In detail: this tropical tempest is zipping west at 20km per hour and is forecast to smash into central Vietnam. Lamentably for those hoping for a quick dissipations as the storm will host a monsoon trough party, dragging yet…
CPS CHAPS, a vibrant brand under the esteemed Jaspal Group, is making waves in the fashion industry by fusing sartorial elegance with the pulsating beats of music and vivid lifestyle trends. Renowned for its groundbreaking clothing designs and eclectic collaborations, CPS CHAPS has teamed up with top-tier artists from various musical genres to infuse their creations with an unbeatable “rock attitude.” These spectacular partnerships include icons like Dharmthai Plangsilp and the sensational girl group 4EVE, breathing life and personality into the brand’s bold collections. With its core philosophy of “CREATIVITY. PASSION. SELF.” at the forefront, CPS CHAPS continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts through innovative collaborations. These initiatives don’t just stop at surface-level endorsements; they embody the essence of the artists, making every piece a unique blend of music and fashion culture. Taking the customer experience to new heights, CPS CHAPS has unveiled a revamped flagship store on the G Floor…
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3 has issued a landmark ruling, seizing assets totaling 5.1 million baht from a Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) official embroiled in an unusual-wealth scandal. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the secretary-general and spokesman for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), disclosed the court’s decision on Wednesday. Although the ruling was issued on March 28, it has only now come to light. The court has confiscated money deposited in two accounts belonging to Sarot Sutthiwong, who was found to have amassed significant wealth through questionable means. According to Niwatchai, the NACC initiated an investigation into Sarot following allegations of disproportionate wealth. “Our investigation yielded enough credible evidence to substantiate the allegations. We discovered that Mr. Sarot had indeed engaged in illicit activities,” Niwatchai stated. “Following this, we forwarded the case to the Office of the Attorney-General, which then brought it to the court with a request…