Thailand News for Tourists 2024

Thailand Celebrates BTS Skytrain Music Festival

Trains on the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) turned into moving stages as fans celebrated the first-ever live music festival inside the carriages.

The lineup boasted some of the biggest names in T-Pop, including Atlas, 4Eve, Bowkylion, Ink Waruntorn, Jeff Satur, The Toys, and Nont Tanont.

Published: 25/11/2024

SAT-1 Named One of the Most Beautiful Airports

The Midfield Satellite Terminal 1 (SAT-1) at Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK is competing for the Prix Versailles award of "Most Beautiful Airport" for 2024.

The terminal first opened to the public in September 2023. It is four (4) stories high and there are two (2) underground floors. The aim of the additional terminal is to lift the passenger-handling capacity from 45 million to 60 million per year.

Published: 21/11/2024

Work Begins at Nong Naree Public Park in Phetchabun

It was developed to serve as a water reservoir during wartime. But, the area known as the "swamp" by locals in Phetchabun province will be upgraded to become a recreation, leisure, and sports zone.

Published: 19/11/2024

AOT Plans to Increase Transit Traffic at Suvarnabhumi Airport

It is already renowned as being the busiest airport in Thailand. Now, Suvarnabhumi Airport has set out ambitious plans for becoming the top transit hub in Southeast Asia.

AOT (Airports of Thailand) is planning to boost the number of transit flights from 4% (current) up to 20% by 2030. Hence, the inauguration of a third runway has already escalated the hourly capacity to ninety four (94) flights (up from 68).

Thus far, the company accounts for 95% of the air traffic in Thailand through their impressive portfolio that also includes Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Phuket International Airport (HKT), and Chiang Mai international Airport (CNX).

Note: Another section contains more facts and information about airports in Thailand with further details about some of the popular domestic flying routes.

Published: 15/11/2024

Yi Peng Lantern Festival Lights Up Lamphun Province

In Thailand, the Northern Lantern Festival, otherwise known as "Yi Peng", is illuminating the skies above Lamphun province in an amazing spectacle of light.

They will hold this year's annual event on the 15th and 16th of November 2024 and it looks set to attract more than half a million visitors who come to pay their respects.

Published: 11/11/2024

48-Hectare Urban Oasis Opens in Chiang Mai

The transformation of a once-neglected wetland area resulted in a stunning park featuring walking paths, lush lawns, and designated cycle paths for the locals.

Since the park first opened on the 14th of September 2024, it's provided a calm and peaceful escape from some of the commotion of daily life in the popular northern province of Chiang Mai in Thailand.

Published: 09/11/2024

Government Set to Restrict Use of Digital Devices in Schools

The Ministry of Education expressed concerns about overusing digital devices (e.g. tablets, smartphones) in schools and the impact that it may be having on young students.

As a result, new measures look set to ban students under the age sixteen (16) from using digital devices during school hours. Studies in Thailand suggest children who are spending more than six and a half hours a day on digital screens tend to have a shorter attention span and a lower intelligence quotient (IQ).

Published: 21/08/2024

Harley-Davidson Shifting Some Production to Thailand

The American brand, synonymous with iconic motorcycles, announced a shift in production of the Sportster, the Nightster, and the Pan America to their manufacturing plant based in Rayong on the eastern seaboard from 2025.

Published: 19/08/2024

Glass Floor Skywalk Opens in Northern Thailand

The local governor chose August the tenth to unveil the latest tourist attraction in Lamphun province, in the north of Thailand.

So, tourists can head out to Wat Doi Ti Skywalk for panoramic views of several famous mountain landmarks scattered around Chiang Mai and Lamphun, including:

• The Si Kru Ba pagoda
• Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha temple
• Several iconic religious attractions in Lamphun
• Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai

A shrine dedicated to Kruba Srivichai, one of the most revered monks throughout the Kingdom of Thailand, is also located near the new glass-bottomed skywalk on the mountaintop.

Note: The Wat Doi Ti Skywalk opens daily from 8am to 5pm, and the fee for admission is fifty (50) baht per person (free for monks, children under 1.2 metres, seniors over seventy five (75) years old, and the disabled).

Published: 13/08/2024

Health Advisory Issued for Oropouche Fever

Travellers returning to Thailand from regions in Central and South America have been urged to be aware of a tropical viral infection known as "oropouche fever".

Typical symptoms include muscle aches, chills, and high fever. They also resemble common manifestations of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Note: Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. Another section explains more about the risks of contracting dengue fever in Thailand, and which areas are most affected by mosquito diseases.

Published: 03/08/2024

Wat Arun and Yi Peng Recognised as "World Night View Heritage" Sites

As reported in the Bangkok English newspaper, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced further recognition of two noteworthy cultural and historical night attractions.

One of Bangkok's most-visited tourist attractions is the iconic temple of Wat Arun Buddhist Temple situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya riverside.

Along with the magical lantern festival known as Yi Peng in the northern province of Chiang Mai, both have now attained "World Night View Heritage" status.

Published: 01/08/2024

SRT Temporarily Shuts Down Thailand's Longest Train Tunnel

Shortly after its inaugural launch in July, Thailand's State Railway (SRT) needed to close Pha Sadet tunnel in Saraburi province because of a "dust issue".

The tunnel actually measures 5.4 kilometres long. It is part of a new double-track railway leading towards many of the Isan provinces (northeastern regions of Thailand).

Published: 31/07/2024

Monumental Attractions Featured on Thai Banknotes

Of special interest to tourists searching for places to visit, Thailand news headlines remind us that four of the banknotes in circulation feature principal monuments dotted around the nation.

Besides reflecting the history and values within the kingdom, current banknotes in the reign of King Rama X contain several major tourist attractions that are free to visit, including:

• THB20 – The Grand Palace, Bangkok
• THB50 – Chatchawan Wiang Chai Tower, Phra Nakhon Khiri, Phetchaburi
• THB500 – Sampheng Area, Bangkok
• THB1,000 – Bang Nara River Development, Narathiwat

Published: 29/07/2024

Sea Trade Activity Increases at Ranong Port

One of the direct consequences of the civil war in Myanmar has created an increase in goods being shipped by sea into and out of one of Thailand's busiest ports in Ranong province.

Nonetheless, many consider the disruption in overland trade through the Mae Sot district of Tak province as being a notable benefit to the Land Bridge project.

Published: 17/07/2024

Thai Highway Police Perform CPR On Captured Smuggler

Thai cops administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a 23-year-old man after he fell unconscious from the shock of being arrested for smuggling more than one hundred Myanmar nationals.

The police pulled over a suspicious looking "tarp-covered" truck on Highway number 41 in Surat Thani province in southern Thailand.

After an in-depth interrogation, they arrested two Myanmar nationals and the younger male appeared to be suffering a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Pro Tip: Another article explains the benefits of having CPR and First Aid training, and how your actions might benefit a family member, a friend, a co-worker, perhaps a stranger - or even yourself!

Published: 14/07/2024

Family Members Die after Eating Poisonous Mushrooms

When the rainy season in Thailand arrives in the northeastern provinces it usually means more of the locals will be collecting and eating wild mushrooms from the forests.

As a consequence, this week's news headlines reported the untimely death of a mother and son who died in Yasothon province after consuming poisonous mushrooms.

Published: 11/07/2024

Duty-Free Shops to Close at Airport Arrival Areas

Thailand is trying to boost spending in the nation's domestic stores by shutting down busy hubs in eight inbound duty-free shops.

The affected international airports include Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, along with Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, and Samui.

Published: 09/07/2024

Huge Fire Breaks Out in Chinatown Bangkok

A fire injured two firefighters and over thirty people suffered smoke inhalation in the Trok Pho community of Chinatown in Yaowarat Road Bangkok.

The local authorities deployed around 30 fire engines and they finally brought the blaze under control some three hours later.

Published: 07/07/2024

Tourist Taken to Hospital after Seawalker Tour in Pattaya

Pattaya tourist police responded to a serious incident that involved an Indian tourist who was participating in a popular water activity attraction known as "Sea Walking".

A serious injury occurred underwater and he required immediate evacuation and urgent medical attention at one of the public hospitals (Bangkok Pattaya Hospital).

Pro Tip: Another article explains the key differences between Snuba vs. Scuba and how a "Sea Walker" wears a helmet that provides an air supply to breathe while they explore the bottom of a shallow area.

Published: 04/07/2024

3.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Mae Hong Son

The northern border of Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand suffered an earthquake during the morning of Thursday the 4th of July.

A report from the Earthquake Observation Division (part of the Meteorological Department) suggests the quake occurred along the Mae Hong Son Fault (MHSF) and around one (1) kilometre underground, in the area known as tambon Huai Pu Ling.

Published: 04/07/2024

Speedboat Propeller Injures Teenage Russian Girl in Phuket

The local police force responded to reports that a 17 year-old Russian female suffered severe leg injuries and lacerations to her right leg caused by the propeller of a speedboat while she was swimming in the water near Patong Beach, on the west coast of Phuket.

Pro Tip: Our snorkeling blog contains more information about boat propeller accidents and proper boating etiquette, especially for inexperienced snorkelers and scuba divers.

Published: 01/07/2024

Minor Earthquake Hits Public Park in Phang Nga

Earth tremors and heavy rain caused the partial collapse of mountain rocks in Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park (Suan Somdet Ya) in the Tai Chang sub-district of Phang Nga province - one of the popular provinces in southern Thailand.

Published: 29/06/2024

Lifeguards Issue Warnings about Poisonous Bluebottles

Recent reports suggest Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish are appearing on the sandy beaches in Karon and Bangtao (Cherngtalay) during the monsoon season (June to November).

They certainly look like sea jellies. However, they are actually related closer to stinging hydroids and fire coral.

The blue gas-filled bladder and long flowing tentacles help Portuguese man-of-war float freely with ocean currents.

But, making contact with the venomous tendrils of these cnidarians can cause intense pain and other symptoms that may affect the whole body.

Even though the initial pain is likely to be intense for a few hours, Portuguese man of war treatment means life-threatening complications are rare.

But, monitor the patient's circulation, airway, and breathing, in case cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) becomes necessary.

Pro Tip: Another section explains more about the internationally recognised lifeguard training course in Thailand, including how long it takes to complete the training and how to perform an in-water rescue if it becomes necessary.

Published: 26/06/2024

Coral Degradation Forces Some Closures to Tourists

Starting on Sunday June 30th, Thai authorities will close certain regions in the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park to tourists after the discovery of severe coral bleaching (e.g. harmful degradation due to whitening).

The chief of the national park reported that significant damage had been caused to coral reef structures and sea anemone species in several areas, especially Loh Ba Kao Bay, Viking Cave and Pi Leh Bay.

Published: 25/06/2024

Education Costs Rise at International Schools

The cost of sending students to international schools in Thailand is rising. In fact, it is a 1.9% uptick in the price of study materials and uniforms compared to the previous year.

Plus, reports show a slight decline in spending at "tutorial schools" (known as "cram schools") and certain other types of special training.

Pro Tip: Most of Thailand's high-priced international schools are in Bangkok. Examples include Shrewsbury International School, International School Bangkok (ISB), NIST International School, King's College School, and Harrow International School.

Published: 24/06/2024

BMA Launching "On-Demand" Electric Boat Taxis

From July, a new on-demand electric boat taxi service looks to boost tourism in the Bangkok Metropolis by enhancing the options for transportation around the city.

The business arm of BMA, known as Krung Thep Thanakom Co (KT), is planning to operate the canal taxi service in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and several other branching canals.

Passengers will be able to hail a canal boat taxi using a dedicated phone application. As a result, they will be able to calculate the fares for up to ten (10) passengers based on the distance of the journey.

Published: 11/06/2024

Thai PM Set to Scrap Tourism Fee Proposal

The Prime Minister announced that the government would be dropping the previous proposal of charging three hundred (300) baht tourism fee for foreign tourists entering the kingdom by air.

Published: 09/06/2024

Herd of Dugongs Filmed in Trang National Park

A video clip, posted on social media, shows about thirty dugongs swimming around the small island of Koh Muk in the Andaman Sea, off the western coastline of Trang province (southern Thailand).

Instead of an abundance of seagrass - the staple food of dugongs - there is an increasing amount of plastic waste in this particular area near Koh Muk and Yong Ling Beach.

Pro Tip: Our Sea Life section contains a collection of dugong facts and information, including what they eat and how they reproduce.

Published: 05/06/2024

Subaru to End Vehicle Assemblies in Thailand

As part of a remodelled manufacturing footprint in Asia, the Thai distributor TC Subaru (Thailand) Company Ltd announced the discontinuation of local production, and the importation of all new Subaru vehicles from Japan, from the beginning of 2025.

Ladkrabang Industrial estate is the location for the local assembly plant in the Lad Krabang Sub District of Bangkok. Despite being 25%-owned by Japan's Subaru Corporation, car sales have been falling throughout SouthEast Asia in recent years.

Published: 31/05/2024

BOT and PBoC Agree "Financial Cooperation"

Discussions between the governor of the Bank of Thailand and the governor of the People's Bank of China focused on strengthening banking and financial cooperation between the two countries.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) included the promotion of using local currency and cross-border payment through a Framework for Cooperation to Promote Bilateral Transactions in Local Currencies.

Published: 23/05/2024

Thailand Promotes Tourism to "4 Buri" Cities

It's fair to say the lower central Thailand region is not one of the hotspots for tourism. However, a planned upgrade to Hua Hin Airport looks likely to enhance many of the local tourist attractions.

TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) outlined plans for a meaningful promotion of an area that many people call the upper gulf of southern Thailand.

The government wants to increase flights into Hua Hin Airport (HHQ), and as a consequence, encourage cross-regional tourism.

In other words, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, and Suphan Buri, (known locally as the "4 Buri" cities) should all get a welcome boost from extra tourism.

For example, further developments are planned for Khao Ngu Stone Park in Ratchaburi, including the cave and religious monument, as well as the traditional bull racing of Phetchaburi. It's seen as a healthy bid to preserve Thai customs and culture in the region.

Published: 21/05/2024

Durian Exports Expand in International Markets

The Prime Minister is supporting the expansion of durian fruit exports, especially from eastern agricultural regions in the kingdom (e.g. Chanthaburi, Nonthaburi, Rayong).

This year sees export-grade durians priced around 160 baht per kilogram (average), with a goal of reaching 130 billion baht in exports from two popular varieties:

• Chanee durian (measuring up to 25 centimetres in length)
• Kan Yao durians (weighing between 2 and 4.5 kilograms)

After establishing the active promotion of overland export routes, the plan is to broaden the distribution of fruit exports and improve incomes for local farmers.

Published: 12/05/2024

Free Electric Bus Service Arrives in Phuket

The Phuket Development Foundation, along with a group of local businesses, have launched a free EV bus service to help combat traffic congestion and air pollution.

This new initiative is available for tourists travelling around the most populated regions of Phuket Old Town.

In a nutshell, the Phuket Smart Bus EV project consists of three 100% electric, 22-seater buses that rotate the provision of this free public service. The pilot scheme is making 45 runs per day at ten (10) designated bus stops.

Published: 10/05/2024

41-Year-Old Tourist Drowns in a Rip at Kata Noi Beach

Official news reports suggest the victim was part of a multi person group of tourists who were staying at one of the resorts at Kata Noi in the province of Phuket.

It seems the man from Uzbekistan ignored the red flag warnings (i.e. swimming ban) and went alone into the water. Within a few minutes, he got caught in a rip current that pulled him away from the safety of the shoreline.

Soon after, rescuers found him face down motionless in the water near the beach. Lifeguards were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at Chalong Hospital.

Pro Tip: Our snorkeling section explains the causes of fast-flowing channels of water, how to survive a rip current, and how best to get the attention of nearby rescuers (e.g. trained lifeguards).

Published: 09/05/2024

Free HPV DNA Self-sampling Kits available for Thai Women

The Medical Sciences Department said all Thai females between the age of 30 and 60 can obtain a free self-test kit and get screened for the risk signs of cervical cancer.

Human Papillomavirus DNA self-sampling kits are available from local public hospitals and clinics, and can be returned to the hospital or clinic for medical analysis.

Important: Around 10 million Thai women have never been screened for cervical cancer, and cancer kills an average of six (6) Thai women per day.

Published: 08/05/2024

4 French Tourists Rescued from Manwichai Island

Pattaya maritime rescue teams rescued four stranded Frenchmen from a remote uninhabited island in the Gulf of Thailand.

They spent a night on Koh Man Wichai around fifteen (15) nautical miles off the coast of Bang Saray, after their boat drifted away during a fishing excursion.

Published: 04/05/2024

Extreme Heat Warnings Issued as Thais Die from Heatstroke

The hot weather continued across the south and southeast of Asia as the Thai government said that severe hyperthermia (heatstroke) had already killed more than thirty (30) people so far this year.

Moreover, Bangkok authorities issued an "extreme heat warning" as they expected the heat index to reach 52° Celsius (126° Fahrenheit).

The authorities in Udon Thani province said the blazing temperatures in many rural northeastern provinces had already claimed the lives of 30 people since the 1st of January.

Note: Another segment contains extra information about the typical signs and symptoms of temperature related injuries and first aid for hyperthermia.

Published: 26/04/2024

PUBAT Seeing Growth in the Thai Book Market

A survey conducted by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) suggests that Thais are reading for an average of 113 minutes every day.

Furthermore, most teenagers prefer to read self-improvement textbooks. Whereas, over half of the 2,550 people surveyed who were over the age of fifty (50) prefer to read e-books (e.g. with enlarged fonts).

Pro Tip: Another section contains more information about the public library in Bangkok in Ratchadamnoen Road. It cost 296 million baht when it was first launched in April 2017.

Published: 18/04/2024

2024 Maha Songkran World Water Festival

The opening ceremony for the "Maha Songkran World Water Festival" took place in Bangkok on Friday the 12th of April 2024.

This annual spectacle spotlights the glory of Thai traditions, its cultures, and the historical significance of all regions around the kingdom. Twenty (20) grand processions, and more than a thousand street performers, showcased the pride of the nation.

Published: 12/04/2024

Chulalongkorn University Ranked #1 in Thailand

Quacquarelli Symonds is a higher education analytics firm. They have announced Chulalongkorn University as being among the top universities in Thailand for 32 different subjects.

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2024, Chula University excelled in a range of subjects, including Social Sciences and Management, Art and Humanities, and Engineering and Technology.

Published: 11/04/2024

Kaeng Tai Pla Voted as the "Worst Food in the World"

TasteAtlas ranked a meal consisting of fish entrails sour curry (แกงไตปลา) at the number one spot in a list of "100 Worst Rated Foods in the World".

According to Thailand food traditions, the thick and aromatic fish curry originated in the southern region of Phatthalung province. Besides the fermented fish entrails, the recipe also includes a spicy curry paste (chili peppers), lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, shallots, and turmeric.

Published: 07/04/2024

Authorities Fine Scuba Diver for Touching Whale Shark

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) issued a fine to a foreign tourist for making physical contact with a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) while scuba diving at Richelieu Rock, Mu Koh Surin National Park in Phang Nga province, southern Thailand.

Why?

In fact, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species conducted a recent assessment in February 2024 for the whale shark and cites the species as decreasing in numbers and "Largely Depleted" (LD).

The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act in Thailand protects whale sharks. Section 16 of the act states that hunting or any action that harms protected animals can result in imprisonment of up to four (4) years, a fine of up to 40,000 Thai baht, or both.

Published: 04/04/2024

Valuable Ambergris Found on Rayong Beach?

A local fisherman may have stumbled across a 400 gram lump of ambergris on a beach in Rayong province, eastern Thailand.

Sometimes referred to as "floating gold", ambergris is a rare and valuable waxy material excreted by some whale species (especially the sperm whale). The high sales value in "whale puke" comes from its use as an ingredient in expensive perfumes.

Published: 03/04/2024

Daily Temperatures Hit 42° C in Thailand

Scorching heat engulfs the northern province of Lampang today. Temperatures peaked at 42° Celsius in the southern district of Thoen.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said it was the highest recorded temperature of the summer so far this year - with no immediate respite in sight.

Published: 02/04/2024

Rescue Team Seeing a Surge in Reptile Sightings

Wichit Municipality animal rescue workers have been busy capturing wild reptiles from domestic dwellings around the province of Phuket, in southern Thailand.

Managing the movement of these wild creatures has come early (e.g. before the rainy season in the south).

The captured animals included a baby Asian water monitor (a lizard) and a large python snake. They were later returned and released into their natural environments.

Published: 01/04/2024

WWII Tunnel Discovered In Kanchanaburi?

Residents of Sangkhla Buri district unearthed a mysterious underpass in the hillside about 100 metres from the roadside of Route 323 in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand.

The tunnel measures about two metres wide, almost 1.9 metres high, and 35 metres long - with good air circulation.

It's thought to be the remains of a bomb shelter built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers during the construction of the Burma Death Railway at the orders of the Japanese Imperial Army.

Published: 31/03/2024

Hotel Workers See Wage Increase in Tourism Hotspots

A recent announcement issued by the Thai government sees a big increase in the minimum wage for hotel workers in ten tourist destinations. The Wage Committee said the raise in salary is effective from the 13th of April, 2024.

Rising from the previous range of 328 to 354 baht, the new daily minimum wage for some hotel workers is set at four hundred (400) Thai baht per - depending on the area. The 10 provinces are:

• Bangkok (Pathumwan and Watthana districts)
• Krabi (Ao Nang Sub-District Administrative Organisation)
• Chonburi (Pattaya City)
• Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai Municipality)
• Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hin Municipality)
• Phang Nga (Khuk Khak Sub-District Municipality)
• Phuket (entire province)
• Rayong (Ban Phe Sub-district)
• Songkhla (Hat Yai Municipality)
• Surat Thani (Koh Samui District)

The Wage Committee hopes this minimum wage increase will boost the purchasing power for hotel workers and help stimulate the local economies.

Published: 29/03/2024

Dutch Barge Collects Garbage from Chao Phraya River

The iconic "River of Kings" (aka Chao Phraya river) in Bangkok Metropolis will be looking cleaner in coming months, thanks to a Dutch organisation called Ocean Cleanup.

Interceptor 019 is a solar-powered garbage collecting craft that aims to collect plastic waste products from the life blood of Thailand's capital.

Most of the rubbish comes from the smaller canals of the central provinces that surround Bangkok. Even so, the ultimate destination for this plastic is the northern Gulf of Thailand.

The Dutch vessel is capable of collecting up to 100,000 pieces of garbage every day. After separation, the plastic waste goes for recycling and proper disposal to help minimise the environmental impact on global oceans.

Published: 28/03/2024

DestinAsian Magazine Ranks Bangkok #1 Best City for Tourism

The readers' choice awards for DestinAsian 2024 gave the award of best city as a tourist destination in the Asia Pacific region to the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok.

Furthermore, the Island category saw Phuket as the number three best destination and Koh Samui ranked at number four.

The award for best airport saw Suvarnabhumi Airport rank second and Thai Airways took the third spot. In a different category, Bangkok Airways landed the second place award in the best low-cost airline category.

Published: 27/03/2024

Heavy Smog Causes Tourism Slump in Mae Hong Son

One of the popular reasons why foreigners travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son in north-west Thailand is for the fascinating Burmese and Lanna style temples.

Yet, the province appears to be facing a notable downturn in tourism, for the most part, due to heavy smog caused by forest fires.

A revival in tourism should occur during the rainy season in the north west provinces of Thailand, usually at the end of April.

Published: 26/03/2024

Compensation Increased for Monkey Attacks

New regulations for compensation payments to people attacked and injured by wild animals, particularly macaque monkeys, have been approved.

The problem has become so bad in Lop Buri province that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation have increased payment awards.

With immediate effect, the compensation increase is now set at:

• 100,000 Thai baht (THB) for each case of death, paralysis or loss of both eyes, arms, or legs.
• 50,000 Thai baht (THB) for loss of one eye, one arm, or one leg.

Note: Compensation for other injuries still apply (in accordance with specific injuries), but it's capped at 30,000 Thai baht.

As part of the wildlife attacks compensation scheme in Thailand, the victims of injuries caused by monkeys, bears, gaurs, or elephants may also receive daily payments up to three hundred (300) baht for a period not longer than 180 days.

During the hot season in Thailand, injuries caused by macaques tend to increase because they try to steal food from tourists. The Thai conservation department plans to move the most aggressive animals to cages in the Lopburi and Nakhon Nayok provinces.

Published: 25/03/2024

Chimaera "Ghost Shark" Sighting Off Andaman Coast

Scientists revealed the sighting of a new species of ghost shark, named Chimaera supapae, swimming near the Andaman coastline in Thailand.

Chimaeras are some of the oldest surviving species in the seas and oceans. This cartilaginous fish is about fifty centimetres long (20 inches) and closely related to sharks and rays.

Published: 23/03/2024

People on Trang Island Told to Avoid Sea Fan Corals

Are you planning a journey to the sun-kissed island of Ko Sukorn (part of Trang province) to the southeast of Krabi in Thailand?

If so, the regional state department is advising visitors to stay clear of large red sea fans, Gorgonian corals.

Why?

Low sea levels arriving in March have exposed these animals near to the beaches of the island (yes... sea fans are marine animals).

This species of coral is a living creature that feeds on planktonic organisms as they drift around in the water column.

Hence, disturbing this red sea fan will affect the delicate marine ecosystem.

A warning to visitors!

Sea fans are part of the preserved species list under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act in Thailand.

The Act bans the possession, trade, or smuggling of corals (including sea fans), and it may result in a ten (10) year prison sentence and a one (1) million baht fine.

Note: Click here for more sea fan facts (Gorgonia ventalina) with information explaining why fish keeping hobbyists are putting them at risk.

Published: 20/03/2024

Health Riders Set to Deliver Medicines to Patients at Home

Following a successful test run held over several months, patients will start receiving vital medications from volunteer "health riders" around Thailand.

The Public Health Minister officially launched the service on the 18th of March 2024. He said the motorbike riders will start by serving "30-baht Plus" universal healthcare beneficiaries in 32 Thai provinces.

Thai nationals only need to present their national identification to receive treatment through the 30-baht Plus healthcare scheme. However, the service is restricted to specific provinces - and not yet available in Bangkok.

Published: 19/03/2024

Thai Navy Ship "Accidentally" Shoots Another Vessel

Initial news reports suggest fourteen (14) personnel from the Royal Thai Navy needed hospital treatment after the incident.

It seems that an artillery shot fired from HTMS Chonburi struck the rear section of the HTMS Khirirat while stationed at the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri.

All the victims were rushed to a hospital in Sattahip, mostly suffering from smoke inhalation. Firefighters responded to extinguish the fire aboard the vessel and an official investigation is underway.

Published: 15/03/2024

฿10,000 Reward Offered for Reporting Forest Burners

The governor of one of the popular northern Thailand provinces announced a remuneration of ten thousand Thai baht to anyone who provides information that results in the arrest of any individual caught setting fire to forested areas.

In particular, Chiang Mai is trying several different methods to control thick, noxious smog that worsens in March and April, when the weather in northern Thailand becomes dry and hot.

Published: 12/03/2024

2024 Pattaya Music Festival Begins in March

The annual Festival nicknamed "Sound on the Sand" officially began on Friday the 8th of March. The music runs every weekend throughout the whole of the month at the popular venues of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Koh Larn Island.

After delivering an opening speech, Pattaya's mayor, dressed in casual attire, said the music festival is open to people of all ages and he expects the city to benefit from several "billions of baht" in revenue.

Published: 12/03/2024

Thai Government Planning to Host Formula E

The executive who organises electric-vehicle racing competitions around the world said the company is in talks for hosting an EV racing competition in Thailand (most likely in Chiang Mai).

Officially known as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, it was first launched in Beijing in 2014. In Thailand, EV cars are reaching around 40% of total car orders made (at the time of writing).

Published: 11/03/2024