Streets bustling with enthusiastic visitors and the rhythm of commerce in the heart of Phuket town is a common sight to behold. Recently, however, this lively scene has caught the attention of international media, instigating a whirlwind of discussions that seem to be staining the pristine reputation of this touristic haven. From accusations of Russian tourists monopolizing the local job market to alleged claims of illegal business operations, the Thai province of Phuket is under the global spotlight. The storm was spurred by an eye-opening report by Al Jazeera, which argues that Phuket is gradually being hijacked by a steady stream of Russian migrants. The report swept across social media platforms, causing a frenzy, highlighting issues such as the purported spike in land prices subsequent to increasing Russian investments in local real estate, and allegations of Russians replacing the Thais in jobs such as taxi services. Amidst these controversies, more…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The cutting-edge Pink Line mass-transit system, boasting a considerable length of 34.5 kilometers, is poised to commence offering complimentary rides to the public in November, as announced on the government’s “Thai Khu Fah” Facebook page. This update was originally released by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), lending authenticity to this thrilling news. According to them, the Pink Line, an advanced, elevated monorail train system, is currently in its testing phase. Up to this point, the period of testing has demonstrated that the Pink Line is performing admirably, without any disturbances or malfunction. The trial process is first being executed from the Min Buri station (PK30), located in eastern Bangkok, reaching up to the Government Complex station (PK12). This initial testing phase is set to conclude on October 22, ensuring a comprehensive appraisal of the system’s readiness. The second phase of trials is more exhaustive, covering all of…
In the luxurious residential landscape of Samut Prakan, visuals captured by security cameras revealed an alarmingly regular incidence – a pair of thieves infiltrating a home. These felons were part of a Colombian trio that has been recently detained. Unveiling the events at a media briefing was Pol Maj Gen Wallop Araemlar, head of the Samut Prakan law enforcement agency. He affirmed that Alexandro Giovan Cuellar Pulido, Henrry Yeferson Delgado Bogota, and Ms Maricela Cifuentes Hernandez were the Colombian citizens taken into custody. The arrest warrants against them were ratified by the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on charges of theft and conspiracy. The trio was tracked down and apprehended in the expansive Pathum Thani province. The law enforcement officials also recovered a Toyota Vios featuring Chon Buri plates, license plates from Prachuap Khiri Khan, various tool commonly used in break-ins, beanies, a sum of 32,700 baht, money in other currencies,…
With an air of enthusiasm, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai found themselves surrounded by cheering supporters upon alighting from their train journey from Udon Thani at the Nong Khai railway station, a bustling transportation hub that symbolizes optimism and economic growth. Fulfilling his duties as Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin has prioritized a key tour of the northeastern provinces of Thailand. He aims to understand the local issues better and figure out how to push the region’s economy to new heights. Stepping into Nong Bua Lam Phu province with this aim, he announced his decision to hold an unprecedented mobile cabinet meeting in November, a ray of hope for the local inhabitants long-awaiting growth and development. The strategic location, vibrant local customs office, and the proximity of Nong Bua Lam Phu to the Laos border are hard to ignore. Realizing the potential, Thavisin plans to illuminate…
Amid a visit to the Northeast in the tranquil province of Khon Kaen, the government expressed a keen desire to witness the country’s GDP grow by five percent annually,” voiced the man at the helm of financial authority, doubling as the Finance Minister, Srettha. Relevant reports from the National Economic and Social Development Council indicated a GDP growth of 1.8% for the first half of the fiscal year. This reading did not match up to the pace from the first quarter (2.6%) and moreover, missed the median projection of a 3.1% hike for Q2. Deviating from the strategies employed by former regimes, Srettha said his administration has set aside the implementation of a rice-pledging system or a price-guarantee scheme, except in instances of natural calamities. He clearly emphasized his stance on subsidies, criticizing them for manipulating global market values and deficient in upholding financial and monetary regulations. “We aim to…
In the late hours of Wednesday, a shocking event unfolded in the tranquil province of Nakhon Pathom, shattering the festive joie de vivre. Pol Major Siwakorn Saibua, a distinguished inspector attached to the Highway Police’s second command, met with a tragic end during a birthday celebration, the host of which was a significant figure in the locality, Praween Chankhlai colloquially known as “Kamnan Nok”. The disagreement which purportedly led to this unfortunate incident sprouted from a mere dispute concerning a promotion, a seemingly mundane topic in the professional world. Siwakorn was said to have denied Praween’s appeal to secure a promotion for his constable nephew. This rejection didn’t sit well with Praween, triggering a rather heated argument between the two. Witnesses recount the unfolding dramatic scene with unmasked dread: the argument escalated, and then Praween decided to take a step back from the conflict, retiring from the argument. What closely…
Srisuwan, who is known as the trailblazer of the newly established “Rak Chart Rak Paen Din” (Love for Nation and Homeland) institution, has raised voice against the plan of setting up a 20-megawatt reactor which has remained a controversy due to safety issues. This contentious reactor is inherently a component of the nuclear research establishment operating under the prestigious Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. It’s worth noting that this plan doesn’t belong to the present government. Since 1990, it has been a part of the blueprints of past regimes. However, the execution has been constantly adjourned due to multitudinous lawsuits along with firm resistance from the public. Srisuwan addressed his apprehension regarding the safety hazards this reactor brings to people, particularly those hailing from Nakhon Nayok and its neighbouring provinces. “The reactor, situated close to Nakhon Nayok River’s bank, could potentially lead to the radioactive pollution of our integral water…
It is with a heavy heart that we report the incident that shook Pattaya’s iconic ‘4 Regions Floating Market’, situated in the quaint Banglamung district of Chonburi. A substantial 30% of the market’s commercial area was severely affected by an unexpected fire, causing damages pegged at about 70 million baht, or roughly 2 million US dollars, and counting. Sumaporn Srimuang, the venerable general manager of the bustling attraction, broke the news to the press last Saturday. She detailed the magnitude of the unfortunate event, revealing that among the destruction were diligently managed stalls, genuine local shops, and quaint riverside restaurants. These structures spanned about a single rai, equivalent to nearly 0.16 hectares or just under half an acre, in the market’s 19-rai landscape. She further explained that the 70 million baht damage estimate serves as the base value, only accounting for the structural turnaround and not including the separate losses…
There’s some buzzing news in the diplomatic circle. On Friday, a statement was released by Kanchana Patarachoke, a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry in Thailand. She said that there are ongoing confirmations pertaining to a report from Myanmar, deepening the intrigue. Seemingly, the Thai Embassy in Yangon suggests that these requirements might be Myanmar’s attempt to thwart the influx of foreigners enticed into the country by prospective call-centre gangs. Amidst this waiting, the holy grail of travel advice has been issued by the Foreign Ministry for Thais planning to visit Myanmar, to guarantee a seamless immigration process. First, travelers are advised to carry adequate cash proportionate to their stay duration. Rumour has it, foreigners may be required to demonstrate evidence of up to US$1,000 in cash. Another staple in the travel documents would be your itinerary. It’s essential to have your exit ticket from Myanmar, along with rightful details: date,…
On the recent past, a pivotal meeting was orchestrated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul. It consisted of the country’s provincial governors, among others. Breaking down the agenda, the primary focus areas were upholding loyalty to the highest institution, effective rolling out of anti-corruption measures, and the endorsement of the Pheu Thai’s remarkable 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. The Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat Phrao, located in the heart of Bangkok, served as the perfect backdrop for this gathering. A diverse group of attendees graced the meeting, including the interior minister’s deputies, Songsak Thongsri and Chada Thaiset, provincial governors, and key officials from the Ministry of the Interior. Anutin stressed on the need to fortify the digital wallet strategy, an innovative scheme enabling individuals to make purchases within a four-kilometre radius from their official residence. To bolster this policy, he proposed that the governors devise comprehensive…