THAI NEWS RECAP

Sodium hydroxide suspected in deaths of Thai cop and 2 daughters

In Chon Buri, Thailand, a tragic incident resulted in the deaths of a Thai policewoman and her two daughters. The suspect in their deaths is sodium hydroxide, a strong chemical often used for cleaning clogged drains. Despite attempts at resuscitation, the victims were found in their home with severe symptoms, leading to immediate suspicion of poisoning. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether this was an accidental exposure or if foul play was involved. The community has been cautioned regarding the dangers of using such chemicals unsafely.

German man critically injured in leap from 3rd floor of Pattaya hotel

A German man was critically injured after he allegedly attempted suicide by jumping from the third floor of a hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The incident occurred early in the morning, and the man was found by police and rescuers in a critical state. The reasons behind his drastic action are unclear, and further updates on his condition have not been provided.

Thailand ministry urges public to stop giving money to beggars

Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is urging the public to stop giving money to beggars, as part of a new campaign to address the rising number of beggars, which is exacerbated by public donations that often lead to exploitation and trafficking. The ministry highlights a 20% increase in beggar numbers this fiscal year, with a significant proportion being Thai nationals. The campaign will also feature the distribution of multilingual pamphlets and involve several organizations to help combat this issue.

Hat Yai in southern Thailand hailed Asia’s most affordable travel destination

Hat Yai in southern Thailand has been recognized as Asia's most affordable travel destination by a popular online travel platform. The city, located in the Songkhla province, offers budget-friendly accommodations, averaging 1,250 baht per night. It is praised for its proximity to nature, vibrant street food scene, and cultural blend due to its location near the Malaysian border. Hat Yai's accessibility is enhanced by its international airport and is also well-connected by train from Kuala Lumpur.

Surat Thani police seize 404,000 meth pills after car chase

Surat Thani police in Thailand seized 404,000 methamphetamine pills following a dramatic car chase and the arrest of two suspects, Suriyen and Sitthipong. The chase ended with police shooting the vehicle's tires, leading to the apprehension of the duo who confessed to their roles in drug trafficking. The Surat Thani Governor directed the operation and involved coordinated efforts with military and regional police forces.

Thai PM Srettha removed over serious political ethic violation

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office following a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Thailand, which determined that he committed a serious violation of political ethics. The violation involved appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former criminal associated with the Shinawatra family, as Minister of the Prime Minister's Office. This decision led to a formal complaint by 40 senators and ultimately to Srettha's removal, as the appointment was deemed a significant breach of the expected ethical standards for national leaders.

Pattaya amps up city services with an ‘electrifying’ EV overhaul

Pattaya City has launched an electric vehicle project in collaboration with seven other municipalities and Pathum Thani University to modernize public services using EVs. This initiative, marked by a memorandum signing in Pattaya, aims to develop a master plan and a strategic approach for integrating EVs in local administrative operations. It includes establishing EV charging stations and exploring leasing models to boost sustainable management and efficiency in public services across the participating municipalities.

Paetongtarn makes history to become youngest PM of Thailand

Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made history by becoming Thailand's youngest Prime Minister at 37 years old. She follows in the footsteps of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and becomes the second female prime minister in the country's history. Her appointment came after a special parliamentary meeting convened following the removal of former PM Srettha Thavisin over ethical violations. The Pheu Thai Party supported Paetongtarn unanimously, and she secured her position with significant parliamentary support, marking a notable shift in Thai politics.

River collision drama: Four injured in Chao Phraya boat crash

A shuttle boat and a chartered tour boat collided under the Pinklao Bridge on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, injuring four people, including two Canadian men and two Thai women. The incident, which occurred at midday, prompted emergency services to transport the injured to Siriraj Hospital. Both boat skippers had their licenses seized by the Marine Department, which also withdrew the vessels from service. This area is being prepared for the Royal Barge Procession rehearsals scheduled for late October.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Surin Island

Surin Islands, located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Southern Thailand, are celebrated for their pristine natural beauty and diverse marine life. Part of the Mu Ko Surin National Park, these islands offer crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making them a favored spot for snorkeling and diving. The area is inhabited by the Moken, or "Sea Gypsies," known for their traditional nomadic seafaring lifestyle. The islands' lush jungles and white sandy beaches also provide a serene escape for nature lovers. Stay tuned for our next newsletter where we'll dive deeper into the enchanting world of Surin Island.