THAI NEWS

New speed cameras on Lamphun-Lampang Route Spark Debate

Installing new 8K resolution speed cameras on the Lamphun-Lampang route, particularly along the descent from Doi Khun Tan, has sparked a widespread online debate. These cameras enforce speed limits between 50 to 90 kilometers per hour, depending on the location. The Facebook page "This is Lamphun" shared images and details of the new speed limits, prompting over 2,100 comments. Many criticized the government's approach, especially the low 50 km/h limit, arguing that it was impractical for the mountainous terrain and that police should try driving at such speeds to demonstrate its feasibility.

Cabinet’s coastal crusade: 3 notifications to protect the Andaman Sea

The Thai Cabinet has approved environmental protection measures for Phang Nga, Krabi, and Ranong, focusing on prohibiting harmful activities and enforcing pollution control. Factories in specific districts must have pollution control equipment and designate half of their land for water absorption, with 50% of that as green spaces. Building heights near historical sites will be restricted. In Ranong’s Mu Ko Phayam Islands, activities like littering, releasing wastewater, snorkeling, diving, feeding sea creatures, fishing, land reclamation, and dropping anchors will be banned​

Fungi folly: Couple arrested for selling hallucinogenic mushrooms

On May 27, the Metropolitan Police, led by Thiti Saengsawang, arrested Amita (36) and Banyong (40) in Chatuchak, Bangkok, for cultivating and selling hallucinogenic mushrooms. Claiming spiritual benefits, the couple was caught in a sting operation after an undercover agent purchased mushrooms through Banyong's Facebook Messenger. Police seized 117 kilograms of mushrooms and related equipment. The couple faces charges of possessing, selling, and manufacturing category 5 narcotics.

Students attacked by knife-wielding teens in Samut Prakan

On May 28 at 5 pm, six teenagers armed with knives attacked a group of first-year vocational college students riding motorcycles on Suksawat Road in Phra Samut Chedi, Samut Prakan. Two students were injured: a 15-year-old with a severe back wound and a 16-year-old with a head injury. Police Lieutenant Sunthorn Pimphan and rescue teams responded quickly, but the attackers fled on motorcycles. Eyewitnesses reported the attackers chased and provoked the students, causing them to lose control of their motorcycles. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the suspects.

139 kg of heroin seized in Bueng Kan, valued at 280 million baht

Police Lieutenant General Sarayut Sa-nguanphokai announced the successful No Place for Drugs operation in Bueng Kan, seizing 139 kilograms of heroin worth 280 million baht. Based on a tip-off, police intercepted a white pickup truck on Road 2026 in Bueng Khong Long, finding 380 bars of heroin. The suspect, Nattaphon, recently out of prison for drug offenses, admitted to being paid 100,000 baht to transport the heroin to Phetchabun. Concurrently, Thai police intercepted 14.8 kilograms of heroin hidden in ice-making machines destined for Taiwan.

Thai Consulate Savannakhet: No more walk-in services

Starting June 1st, the Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, will require online appointments for service, with the first operational day being June 4th due to a holiday. Walk-up services will be discontinued, and the new appointment booking website is still under construction. Visa processing times have been standardized to match the Thai Consulate in Vientiane, with passports returned two business days after application, resulting in a three-day total processing time. In related news, Thailand's cabinet has approved new visa initiatives to attract tourists, including visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended student stays, and reduced mandatory health insurance for retirees.

Bangkok ranked 17th dream destination for ex-pats to work

Bangkok has been ranked 17th among the top 20 dream destinations for expat talent in the 2024 Decoding Global Talent Report. This prestigious report, published by Boston Consulting Group in collaboration with The Network and The Stepstone Group, analyzes workforce mobility and the most desired global destinations for employment. The top cities globally include London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and New York. In the Asia-Pacific region, Bangkok is the sixth most popular destination, with other cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Melbourne, and Auckland also making the top 30​

Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time

Authorities at Phra Ratchawang Police Station have arrested a Thai woman, Pornthip, for stealing from foreign tourists in Bangkok. This marks the 12th time she has been caught, having recently been released from jail only a few months ago. Officers, led by Commander Phawat Watsupat and Deputy Commander Paisan Detkalaya, apprehended the 55-year-old suspect in front of a condominium in Soi Pradiphat 23, Phaya Thai District, following a warrant issued by the Dusit District Court on May 28. Surveillance footage identified Pornthip, who has been targeting tourists at popular attractions and malls since 2010. She confessed to all charges and will face prosecution.

Giant Mekong stingray sets new record as largest freshwater fish

A colossal Mekong stingray has been confirmed as the world’s largest freshwater fish, surpassing the Thai giant catfish, which held the record for nearly two decades. This enormous stingray, named Boramy (meaning "full moon" in Khmer), was discovered in the Mekong River in Cambodia in June 2022 and measures 3.98 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width, weighing around 300 kilograms. The confirmation came from a wildlife and nature documentary page, which released images of Boramy and reported its new status, dethroning the Thai giant catfish as the long-reigning champion​

Thailand unveils new visa measures to boost tourism and economy

The Thai Cabinet has introduced new visa measures to boost tourism and economic growth, targeting 3 trillion baht in revenue by the end of 2024. Key changes include extending visa exemptions to 60 days for nationals from 93 countries, expanding the visa-on-arrival list, and introducing a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for long-term workers and digital nomads. The DTV allows 180-day stays, renewable once, with a fee of 10,000 baht. The government also approved measures for foreign students and plans to streamline visa codes and reduce health insurance requirements for Non-Immigrant visas. E-visa services will be expanded globally by December 2024. More details are expected next month as policies are finalized

Bangkok Pride events 2024: Where to celebrate Pride Month

Bangkok Pride 2024 will be held from May 31 to June 4, celebrating the "Celebration of Love" to honor Thailand's same-sex marriage recognition. The main event is the Pride Parade on June 1, featuring five love themes and a march from the National Stadium to the Ratchaprasong Intersection. Additional activities include forums on human rights and the impact of the equal marriage bill, and the Drag Bangkok concert at Parc Paragon. For more details, visit www.bangkokpride.org or Facebook @bangkokpride.official.

THAI EVENTS

Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #3

• June 1 - 9, 2024

• the waterfront of Krabi Town, Mai Mahad Sculpture Square.

"Coffee Makes The World Go Around" because coffee fuels happiness and joy. The TAT Krabi and Krabi Municipality invites you to elevate your happiness with the aroma of specialty coffee at the Krabi Music, Coffee & Craft event.

Come, relax, dress stylishly, enjoy coffee, indulge in pastries, listen to light music, and try various DIY activities in a chill atmosphere.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Khao Yai

Khao Yai, Thailand's first national park, offers a stunning escape just a few hours from Bangkok. Spanning over 2,000 square kilometers, it features diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforests to grasslands. Visitors can hike, bird watch, and explore waterfalls like Haew Narok and Haew Suwat. Home to elephants, gibbons, and even tigers, Khao Yai is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, providing an unforgettable experience in its lush, green embrace.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter for exclusive insights on Khao Yai’s top attractions and hidden gems.