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

Sep 20, 2023

Department of Special Investigation Expands Collusion Probe

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has begun questioning representatives from 20 firms that participated in bidding for state projects. These projects were ultimately won by companies owned by Praween Chanklai, also known as Kamnak Nok. The DSI aims to uncover any potential collusion and manipulation in the bidding process.

Sep 19, 2023

Koh Samui Municipality Recognized for Traffy Fondue Platform Usage

On Friday, September 15, 2023, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation in Bangkok held a press conference to acknowledge the accomplishments of various organizations. Among those recognized was the Koh Samui Municipality, which received the prestigious "Outstanding Agency Award for using Traffy Fondue platform for public services."

Sep 18, 2023

Andaman Region Urges Maritime Safety

Seven provinces in the Andaman region, including Phuket, Krabi, Phangnga, Ranong, Trang, and Satun, have proposed strengthening maritime assistance measures for tourists and cruise ships. The goal is to boost confidence in the safety of the region. Rear Admiral Chaiyanan Chumai, spokesman of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (ThaiMECC), shared this development after an annual ThaiMECC board meeting.

Sep 18, 2023

Myanmar Woman Detained for Possessing M16 Ammunition

On September 17, a Myanmar woman was taken into custody in Sangkhla Buri district, Kanchanaburi province, after being found in possession of 920 empty M16 cartridges and 24 loaded M16 magazines. The arrest occurred when the local police were notified by a private delivery company about a suspicious brown parcel believed to contain bullets.

Sep 17, 2023

Prototype Enclosure for Macaque Management

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has joined hands with the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) in Tha Yang district of Phetchaburi to implement a prototype enclosure system. This effort aims to manage the macaque population in the region, especially those causing disturbances to local residents and tourists in the Khao Wang mountain area.

Sep 17, 2023

Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor: Boosting Wellness and Tourism in Thailand

Phuket's tourism and property development sectors have urged Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider the Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) proposal, which aims to boost wellnessrelated investments and tourism in the Andaman provinces, including Phuket, Krabi, Phangnga, Ranong, Trang, and Satun. The AWC proposal was submitted during Prime Minister Srettha's visit to Phuket and Phangnga in August 2023.

Sep 17, 2023

New Pier in Surat Thani: A Boost for Tourism and Local Attractions

The local government of Surat Thani has allocated a budget of 60 million baht for the construction of a new pier in Chaiya district. The project will commence soon, as the design has already been approved by the Marine Department. The Surat Thani provincial administrative organization will be responsible for the construction and operation of the pier.

Sep 16, 2023

A Tale of Loyalty and Betrayal in Thai Politics

Pol Gen Sereepisuth Teemeeyaves, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, has experienced a painful ordeal as his loyalty to Pheu Thai was not repaid with a place in the new cabinet. Despite the Seri Ruam Thai Party shrinking in size, Pol Gen Sereepisuth remained a staunch supporter of Pheu Thai during the government formation period.

Sep 16, 2023

Samui Slam Beach Volleyball: A Showcase of Athletic Talent

Get ready for an exciting display of athleticism and skill at the Samui Slam Beach Volleyball competition! Taking place from September 2124, 2023, this thrilling event offers free admission for all spectators. So, mark your calendars and prepare to cheer on the talented athletes as they battle it out on the sandy courts of SEEN Beach Club Samui, located on the beautiful Chaweng Beach in the Bo Phut Subdistrict of Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province.

Sep 16, 2023

Koh Samui Municipality Presents the Ministry of Interior's Songs

Koh Samui Municipality has taken an innovative approach to build stronger connections between the Ministry of Interior and the general public. The initiative involves promoting nine original songs that highlight the roles and missions of the Ministry of Interior. ## A New Way to Connect

Sep 16, 2023

Ex-Senator and Four Others Arrested on Child-Sex Charges

### Suspects Facing Charges ### Suspects Facing Charges

Sep 16, 2023

CCTV Footage Sheds Light on Dinner Party Murder

Forensic police have recovered 13 out of 15 files from a dumped CCTV server that had been installed at the house of former subdistrict head Praween Chankhlai, also known as Kamnan Nok, in Muang district, Nakhon Pathom province. The server, containing footage from a dinner party held on September 6, was removed and thrown into a canal in an attempt to destroy evidence following the fatal shooting of Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua.

Sep 16, 2023

Chinese Kidnapper Faces Potential Rape Charge

A Chinese man accused of abducting a Chinese woman in Bangkok may face rape charges in addition to kidnappingrelated charges. The woman managed to escape from his car after it was involved in a minor accident. Authorities are waiting for a medical report before deciding whether to press additional charges.

Sep 16, 2023

MINT's Travel Sector Growth Outlook Remains Positive

Minor International (MINT) continues to see promising growth prospects in the travel sector, driven by strong statistics and forward bookings in both Europe and Thailand. ## Strong Travel Season in Europe

Sep 16, 2023

Parents and Educators Support E-Cigarette Ban: An In-Depth Analysis

A recent study conducted by the Research Centre for Social and Business Development (SAB) highlighted that most parents and educators agree that the government should continue the current ban on the import and sale of ecigarettes. The primary reason cited for supporting the ban is the potential health risks associated with ecigarettes. The study revealed that 91% of the 5,582 respondents supported the continuation of the ban to limit young people's exposure to smoking. Furthermore, 80% believed that ecigarettes could act as a gateway to illicit drugs.

Sep 15, 2023

Colombian Burglary Ring Busted in Thailand

The Thai police have successfully apprehended three Colombian nationals, two men and one woman, who were allegedly involved in a series of burglaries in luxury homes across Samut Prakan and nearby provinces. Identified as Alexandro Giovan Cuellar Pulido, Henry Yeferson Delgado Bogota, and Maricela Cifuentes Hernandez, these suspects were arrested following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Samut Prakan Provincial Court for collusion in theft.

Sep 14, 2023

Attracting More Foreign Tourists: Strategies and Initiatives

One of the approaches discussed to attract more foreign tourists was the expansion of the free visa policy. To boost tourism from Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan will now be included in the policy. This initiative aims to simplify the travel process and encourage more visitors from the region.

Sep 14, 2023

Gun Amnesty Program Announced in Response to Mafia Activity

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced a 30day gun amnesty period, offering individuals without proper firearm permits the opportunity to hand in their weapons at any police station without facing legal consequences. This decision comes as the government seeks to crack down on unlicensed firearms and reduce violence connected to mafialike networks.

Sep 14, 2023

Hua Hin's Initiative to Sterilize 300 Monkeys

Hua Hin's local authorities have taken on the responsibility of sterilizing 300 monkeys by the end of September 2023. This initiative aims to control the monkey population and minimize their influence on local communities, ensuring a more peaceful coexistence. Hua Hin's local authorities have taken on the responsibility of sterilizing 300 monkeys by the end of September 2023. This initiative aims to control the monkey population and minimize their influence on local communities, ensuring a more peaceful coexistence.

Sep 14, 2023

Fugitive Swede Arrested on Koh Samui Island

A 60yearold Swedish man, Reino Pentti Olavi Martin, was captured on Koh Samui after two years of evading authorities. Martin was wanted on drug charges in Bangkok and was finally apprehended at a car park in front of his rented house in tambon Bo Phut, a region located on the southern tourist island.