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 13, 2023

Cable Theft Causes Blackout Along Pattaya-Rayong Motorway

Highway police in Chon Buri arrested Anulak Obchoo, 35, and Traiphop Buahom, 31, in tambon Huai Yai of Bang Lamung district. The pair were apprehended following arrest warrants issued by the Pattaya Court. At the residence, police discovered approximately 40 kilograms of copper, 100 meters of power cable, and cable cutters.

Sep 13, 2023

B400 Wage Threshold on the Horizon

The government is considering urging employers to raise the minimum daily wage to 400 baht as soon as possible to help workers make ends meet, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He states that negotiations will involve workers, employers, and the government to determine a reasonable minimum wage level, with the aim of achieving the 400 baht goal as swiftly as possible.

Sep 13, 2023

DSI Investigates 'Kamnan Nok' Companies for Bid-Rigging

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand has called for questioning representatives from 65 companies who may have been involved in bidrigging with Praween Chanklai's construction business. Praween, also known as "Kamnan Nok," was arrested following the murder of a Highway Police officer during a dinner party at his house.

Sep 13, 2023

Farmer Debt Moratorium Set for Q4

The Thai government has announced plans to introduce a debt moratorium for farmers in the fourth quarter of this year. This initiative will cover both debt principal and interest, providing financial relief to those in the agricultural sector. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed this plan and anticipates cabinet approval at their first meeting.

Sep 13, 2023

Steve Madden Opens Largest Flagship Store at CentralWorld

MAP Active Adiperkasa Ltd. unveils the grand opening of Steve Madden's flagship store at the acclaimed CentralWorld Shopping Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Spanning 142 sq.m., this impressive store combines the 'Extraordinary Shopping Experience' concept with design elements inspired by the New York shopping scene and a warm ambiance of pink gold shades.

Sep 12, 2023

Boosting Isan Economy: PM Srettha Thavisin's Comprehensive Plan

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced that his first mobile cabinet meeting will be held in Nong Bua Lam Phu province in November. The meeting aims to address and highlight plans to bolster the economy of the province and the northeastern region of Isan. The PM's decision to select Nong Bua Lam Phu followed an inspection trip to the region.

Sep 12, 2023

Landslips and Floods Affect Mae Hong Son, Damaging Homes and Tourist Attractions

Mae Hong Son, a northern border province in Thailand, has recently experienced flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall. These natural disasters have severely damaged public utilities, residential areas, agricultural lands, as well as popular tourist attractions in Muang and Pai districts. As a result, flash flood warnings have been issued for 20 provinces, primarily in the northern regions of the country.

Sep 12, 2023

Addressing the Nation's Economic Health

In a recent policy statement, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin compared the nation to a "sick person" requiring cures such as a 10,000baht digital cash handout and reduced energy prices. Thailand's preexisting economic, social, and political issues have been exacerbated by the Covid19 pandemic, and the country is still struggling to recover. Poverty and inequality hinder the nation from reaching its full potential and have led to a crisis in public confidence.

Sep 12, 2023

Flash Floods and Landslides Hit Northern Province

Heavy rains have resulted in flash floods and landslides in Muang and Pai districts of Mae Hong Son, a northern border province. Public utilities, homes, farms, and tourist attractions have been significantly affected by the disaster. Heavy rains have resulted in flash floods and landslides in Muang and Pai districts of Mae Hong Son, a northern border province. Public utilities, homes, farms, and tourist attractions have been significantly affected by the disaster.

Sep 12, 2023

Corrections Department Official Dismissed After Nakhon Pathom Incident

A shocking incident occurred at the residence of an influential kamnan (tambon chief) in Nakhon Pathom on Wednesday night. A shooting took place during a dinner party, resulting in the death of a highway police officer and injury to another. The house belonged to Praween Chankhlai, 35, the kamnan of tambon Takong in Muang district, Nakhon Pathom province.

Sep 11, 2023

Local Food Project as a Soft Power Tool

Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich defends the "One Province, One Dish 2023" list initiated by the Cultural Promotion Department, emphasizing the importance of promoting local food as a soft power item. The project aims to raise awareness about traditional dishes from each of Thailand's 77 provinces, especially those that are rare, unique, or almost forgotten.

Sep 11, 2023

Gambling Addiction Leads to Gold Necklace Theft

A former deputy manager of a wellknown private transport company has been apprehended for robbing a gold shop in an attempt to pay off his mounting online gambling debt. The 44yearold man, known only as Methee, was arrested near the Kluai Nam Thai intersection by Thong Lor police.

Sep 11, 2023

Establish Thailand: Sustainable Tourism Destination Project

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is once again organizing the "Establish Thailand to be Sustainable Tourism Destination" project. This initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism practices among entrepreneurs in the country, focusing on Kanchanaburi and Surat Thani (Koh Samui) this time.

Sep 11, 2023

Thais Arrested in Poipet Over Scam Calls Linked to Tragic Family Murder

Four Thai nationals, including three women, were arrested in Poipet, Cambodia, on Sunday for allegedly making scam calls that led to a man murdering his family in Samut Prakan province last month, according to a senior police officer. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn reported that Thai and Cambodian authorities arrested Supol Wongwian (21), Nisarat Sukasem (22), Kanonkporn Kraisuk (19), and Kornkanok Singthit (19) in the neighboring country on Sunday.

Sep 10, 2023

Trio of Colombians Arrested for Luxury Home Burglaries in Thailand

Three Colombian nationals, identified as Alexandro Giovan Cuellar Pulido, Henrry Yeferson Delgado Bogota, and Maricela Cifuentes Hernandez, were recently arrested for their involvement in a series of burglaries at luxury homes in Samut Prakan and neighboring provinces. The trio had been causing havoc in the area, targeting highend residential properties.

Sep 9, 2023

Combating 'Mafia-like' Kamnans: Anutin's Plan of Action

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has taken action against the rise of mafiastyle local leaders by assigning his deputy, Chada Thaiset, and all provincial governors to gather information on them. The aim is to blacklist such local leaders found to be involved in violent gangs.

Sep 9, 2023

Thailand's New Refugee Screening System

Thailand is preparing to implement a new refugee screening system later this month. Although the country is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, thousands of refugees and migrants currently live within its borders. The new National Screening Mechanism (NSM) aims to differentiate between those who might face danger if returned to their home countries and those living in Thailand illegally. However, refugees and rights activists express concerns that the system could be used unfairly and even expedite deportations for asylum seekers deemed ineligible.

Sep 9, 2023

Phuket Authorities Refute Claims of Russian Influx

Phuket's provincial police commander, Pol Maj Gen Sermphan Sirikong, along with representatives from tourismrelated agencies, recently held a briefing to address claims made in an Al Jazeera report. The report, which has circulated widely on social media since Wednesday, alleges that an increasing number of Russian tourists are taking jobs and operating businesses illegally on the island.

Sep 9, 2023

How to Identify Banknotes: A Comprehensive Guide

Banknotes play an essential role in our daily lives, and the ability to identify counterfeit money is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. In this article, we will guide you through seven key methods for identifying genuine banknotes and protecting yourself from fraud.

Sep 7, 2023

Monkeypox Surge in Bangkok: Addressing the Crisis

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported a significant increase in monkeypox cases, with 80 cases identified in the city last month alone. This surge has been observed mostly in tourist areas and has affected individuals below the age of 18. In response to this situation, the BMA is taking various measures to provide treatment and prevention consultations at multiple clinics around the city.