Author

Greg Jorgensen

Creator of the award-winning travel blog Siam Stories and host of Thai Tourism Board official podcast (2008-2024). Former Lonely Planet contributor and author of three bestselling guidebooks on Thailand. Relocated from Portland to Bangkok in 2003 and never looked back.

708 articles

Oct 20, 2023

Koh Lan Land Dispute Intensifies

Legal action has been taken against businesses in Koh Lan for encroaching on forest land, confirmed by city officials. This is a major issue for the popular tourist destination, with illegal land acquisition causing difficulties for residents and authorities alike. KohLan Tourism IllegalLandAcquisition EnvironmentalProtection SustainableTourism

Oct 19, 2023

Restoring Confidence in Thai Tourism

Thai tourism industry is bouncing back after the Siam Paragon shooting in October 2023, which led to 60,000 Chinese visitors cancelling their trips. Chiang Mai is calling for preventive measures and stricter gun control, but the government has introduced a visa exemption program to attract more tourists from China and Kazakhstan. Thaitourism safetravel ChiangMai guncontrol visafree positivefuture tourismindustry

Oct 19, 2023

Proposed 4am Closing Time for Entertainment Venues in Bangkok

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt is considering extending entertainment venues' operating hours until 4 am to boost tourism. Bars and nightclubs presently have to close by 2 am, and the proposal is awaiting cabinet approval and will be evaluated on a casebycase basis. Bangkok Nightlife Tourism Entertainment Thailand Travel

Oct 19, 2023

Panther-Slaying Tycoon Wins Early Release

Construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, who was imprisoned for hunting wildlife including a rare black panther, has been released from prison early on health grounds due to his diabetes. His family is said to be relieved at the news and he will receive treatment at Bumrungrad Hospital. PremchaiKarnasuta ThungyaiNaresuanWildlifeSanctuary BlackPanther WildlifeConservation BumrungradHospital

Oct 19, 2023

Tragic Outcome of an Online Scam: A Student's Story

"Tragic news: 19yearold Atiya from Nakhon Si Thammarat took her own life after falling victim to an online scam. She lost 18,500 baht in an attempt to buy an iPhone from a mobile phone shop on social media. Let's raise awareness on online scams and stay vigilant. onlinescams cybersecurity Thailand travel staysafe"

Oct 19, 2023

Chiang Mai Airport 24-Hour Proposal Faces Local Opposition

Chiang Mai residents oppose plans for their airport to operate 24/7 over concerns of sleep disruption caused by aircraft noise and vibrations. The airport is considering this extension to accommodate the rise in tourism, but feedback from a recent public hearing attended by local leaders and airport officials will be considered before a final decision is made. ChiangMaiAirport Tourism PublicHearing SleepDisruption NoisePollution Vibrations LocalFeedback

Oct 16, 2023

Improved Maritime Safety Measures for Andaman Sea Visitors

Region 5 Marine Office is enhancing maritime safety measures to ensure visitor wellbeing during the high season in the Andaman Sea, including enforcing regulations, verifying licenses and permits, and conducting inspections. These measures aim to boost visitor confidence in the region's safety, particularly with the introduction of a visafree scheme and an expected increase in visitors, including from China. MaritimeSafety AndamanSea VisaFree TourismBoost ChinaTourism

Oct 16, 2023

Tragic Events Unfold: Foreign Couple's Bodies Discovered in Thailand

Swiss man and Moldovan woman found dead with knife wounds in their rented house in Phana, Thailand. Police are investigating and awaiting autopsy report. ThailandMurder ForeignCoupleFoundDead Phanamurder TravelSafety

Oct 15, 2023

Nation Loving Day: A Tribute to the Beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Celebrate Nation Loving Day on October 13, 2023, in Koh Samui District with a meritmaking ceremony to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his dedication to the Thai people. Join in laying garlands and paying homage to his memory, and show your love for Thailand. NationLovingDay KingBhumibolAdulyadej ThaiPeople KohSamuiDistrict SuratThaniProvince Thailand TravelThailand ExploreThailand VisitKohSamui

Oct 15, 2023

Man Arrested for Fraud and Falsification: The Royal Connection Scam

"Fraudster posing as a Royal Bureau official caught scamming restaurants in Bangkok. Always verify credentials before entering into any transactions. BangkokScam RoyalBureauScam ThailandTourism"

Oct 15, 2023

Near-Death Experience at Rail Crossing: A Driver's Close Call

A driver in Chaiya district narrowly escaped death after his pickup truck was struck by an expressway train at a railway crossing. Let's prioritize safety education and awareness to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. railwaysafety safetyfirst tourism chiangmai thailand safetyawareness

Oct 13, 2023

Nationwide Gun Crackdown in Thailand: Over 2,000 Illegal Firearms Seized

"Thai authorities have seized over 2,000 illegal firearms and arrested 1,593 suspects in a nationwide crackdown to curb gun violence sparked by the tragic shooting at Siam Paragon shopping mall. Let's help promote safety and reduce risks by saying no to illegal guns. thailand guncontrol safety stopillegalguns reduceviolence"

Oct 13, 2023

Extended Operating Hours for Night Entertainment Venues

Exciting news for night owls in Thailand! The government is considering extending operating hours of night entertainment venues until 4 am. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to enjoy the nightlife even more! 🌃🎉 NightEntertainment ExtendedOperatingHours Thailand KhaoSanRoad Nightlife PartyTime ExploreThailand

Oct 13, 2023

Food: The Foundation of Life and Sustainable Development

"Growing your own vegetables is key to sustainability! The Ministry of Interior is taking strides towards achieving the SDGs through projects like "This House Has Love, Grow Your Own Vegetables". Let's work towards selfreliance, generate income, reduce costs, decrease inequality and establish sustainability for individuals and families. sustainability SDGs foodsecurity selfreliance growyourownfood sustainableliving"

Oct 13, 2023

Wild Elephants Electrocution Incident

"Two wild elephants were tragically electrocuted by an electrified fence in Surat Thani, Thailand meant to protect a durian plantation. This highlights the need for more awareness and conservation efforts to prevent harm to wildlife. wildlifeconservation savetheelephants thailand conservationefforts cropprotection elephants"

Oct 12, 2023

Strengthening Thai-Malaysian Relations

Thailand and Malaysia are teaming up to boost economic cooperation and bilateral trade. The goal is to transform the ThaiMalaysian border into a growth area and improve connectivity and trade ties. Thailand Malaysia economiccooperation ASEAN bilateraltrade tourism borderconnectivity peacenprosperity

Oct 12, 2023

Qatari Tourist Arrested in Bangkok for Alleged Male Rape

"A Qatari tourist arrested for rape in Bangkok. Authorities assure safety for locals and tourists." BangkokSafety TourismSafety EndSexualAssault JusticeForVictims

Oct 11, 2023

Thailand Space Week 2023: A Celebration of Space Technology and Innovation

Discover the latest in space technology and innovation at Thailand Space Week 2023 from Oct 2527 in Bangkok! Register now for expert presentations, interactive exhibits, and networking opportunities with space professionals and enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this exciting event organized by GISTDA! ThailandSpaceWeek2023 SpaceTechnology Innovation GISTDA QueenSirikitNationalConventionCenter Bangkok SpaceEnthusiasts NetworkingOpportunities ExpertPresentations InteractiveExhibits LatestAdvancements RegisterNow

Oct 11, 2023

Thai-Brunei Relations Strengthened During Official Visit

Thai Prime Minister's official visit to Brunei strengthens ThaiBrunei relations as they agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, medical tourism, and Halal food markets. They also aim to support ASEAN in achieving economic integration goals. Thailand Brunei bilateralcooperation diplomacy medicaltourism Halalfood ASEAN economicintegration

Oct 10, 2023

Addressing the Hardships of Citizens and Eradicating Poverty

Thailand's Ministry of Interior is partnering with local communities to curb poverty and empower citizens through Sustainable Human Development Centers. Join the initiative to achieve the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and promote health and wellbeing for future generations. ThailandMinistryofInterior SustainableDevelopmentGoals EmpowerCommunities SufficiencyEconomyPhilosophy PovertyAlleviation HumanDevelopment UN2030Agenda SocialDimension HealthandWellBeing