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 7, 2023

Addressing Phuket's Water Challenges

Phuket, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, has been facing significant water challenges due to the rapid growth of tourism and urbanization. The island experiences annual water shortages of approximately 25.5 million cubic meters, primarily during the dry season. Moreover, the wet season brings flooding issues, as overflowing canals struggle to manage increased water levels.

Sep 7, 2023

Drug Couriers Arrested: A Border Smuggling Operation Uncovered

On September 6, 2023, two suspected drug couriers were arrested in Chiang Rai's Muang district after 2 million methamphetamine pills were found in their vehicle. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 5 announced the details of the arrest on September 7, withholding the suspects' surnames. The duo now faces charges of collusion in possession of illicit drugs with intent to sell, among other offenses.

Sep 7, 2023

Three Kenyan Women Arrested in Phuket Airport for Cocaine Smuggling

Three Kenyan women were arrested at Phuket airport after being discovered carrying nearly 3kg of cocaine, with an estimated worth of 10 million baht. The narcotics were concealed within their bodies, specifically in their vaginas and stomachs. Three Kenyan women were arrested at Phuket airport after being discovered carrying nearly 3kg of cocaine, with an estimated worth of 10 million baht. The narcotics were concealed within their bodies, specifically in their vaginas and stomachs.

Sep 6, 2023

Monkeypox Surge in Bangkok: BMA Responds with Treatment and Prevention Measures

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported a sharp increase in monkeypox (mpox) cases, with 80 instances found in the city last month. The majority of these cases were located in tourist areas and even included some patients below 18 years of age. This marked rise in cases has prompted the BMA to take action to address the situation.

Sep 6, 2023

Tackling Phuket's Water Challenges: A Comprehensive Approach

_Phuket, a popular tourist destination, has been grappling with water shortages, flooding, and wastewater management issues due to rapid urbanization and tourism influx. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is stepping up efforts to address these concerns._ ## Phuket's Water Shortage Crisis

Sep 6, 2023

The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok: A World-Class Event

The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is preparing to host an extraordinary marathon event called the "Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok," scheduled for December 3. This event aims to promote tourism and stimulate the economy while offering a race experience on par with the world's most prestigious marathons.

Sep 5, 2023

Arrest of Scammers Trafficked by Chinese Gangs: A Detailed Overview

In recent months, the Immigration Bureau (IB) has arrested at least 20 Chinese nationals who were smuggled into Thailand from Cambodia. These individuals were en route to Myanmar to work for callcentre gangs. Investigations revealed that they were working for Chineseoperated gangs, intending to transfer their base of operations to Myanmar. Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat Sajjaphan, and his deputy, Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, stated on Monday that the Chinese operators were moving both their compatriots and Thai nationals to Myanmar following crackdowns in Cambodia.

Sep 5, 2023

Illegal Artefact Trading: A Growing Concern in Thailand

In a recent crackdown on illegal antiquities trading, Thai authorities arrested three men who were found digging up and selling historical artefacts online. Following police raids in Chiang Mai, Phayao, Sukhothai, and Lamphang provinces, a total of 970 artefacts were seized, along with 11 metal scanners, and various digging tools. Additionally, four bank accounts belonging to the suspects were frozen.

Sep 5, 2023

Russian Suspect Arrested in Connection with Phone Scam Gang

A Russian man, suspected of being involved in a phone scam gang based in Cambodia, has been arrested on Koh Samui, an island in Thailand. The scam is linked to familydebt murders in Samut Prakan. The suspect, Daniil Aldunenkov, 31, was taken into custody at the Panorama Hotel in Koh Samui district on September 4, 2023.

Sep 4, 2023

Teen Apprehended After French Father Found Fatally Beaten

A 19yearold man has been arrested following the grisly discovery of his French father, fatally beaten with a hammer in their Phra Khanong residence in Bangkok. The incident took place in a threestory townhouse located in Soi Pridi Banomyong 13, Watthana district.

Sep 4, 2023

Chinese Scam Gang Busted in Pattaya

On the east side of Pattaya City, in Bang Lamung district, 16 Chinese nationals were apprehended during a police raid on a compound containing four houses. These individuals have been alleged as members of a phone scam gang. Additionally, a Thai maid who looked after the properties located in tambon Nong Prue was taken in for questioning.

Sep 4, 2023

Chon Buri Raid: 16 Chinese Nationals Arrested for Suspected Phone Scamming

On September 3, 2023, Thai authorities arrested sixteen Chinese nationals in a compound in Bang Lamung district's tambon Nong Prue, Chon Buri. The suspects, consisting of 12 men and four women, are believed to be members of a phone scam gang. A Thai maid who attended to the properties was also apprehended during the raid.

Sep 4, 2023

Impact of Drought on Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

The Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Thailand, has recently experienced a severe drought attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon. This has caused significant disruption to the local ecosystem, particularly affecting the availability of food and water for the resident wildlife.

Sep 4, 2023

Kazakh Teenager Feared Drowned in Phuket: An In-Depth Look

A teenager from Kazakhstan went missing on Friday evening at Nai Yang beach in Thalang district, Phuket, and is feared to have drowned. The 18yearold was on a trip with friends and went swimming at the beach when he was seen struggling in the water before disappearing. His friends immediately sought assistance from nearby residents and alerted the authorities.

Sep 2, 2023

Addressing Challenges in the Fishing Industry

The newlyappointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently expressed his commitment to resolving issues within the fisheries industry. In a meeting with industry representatives in Samut Songkhram, he assured them that their concerns were a top priority for the Pheu Thailed government. To address these challenges, a working committee will be established.

Sep 2, 2023

Surrogacy Ring Crackdown: DSI Raids Clinics across Thailand

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has recently conducted a series of raids targeting clinics suspected of involvement in a transnational surrogacy ring. Three locations in Bangkok and one in Nong Khai have been searched, with one arrest made so far.

Sep 2, 2023

Loei's Chiang Khan District: A Safer Tourist Destination

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Loei, a northeastern province in Thailand, has announced plans to move electric transformers underground in the popular Chiang Khan district. This initiative aims to reduce fire risks in the area, which is home to numerous centuryold wooden houses.

Sep 1, 2023

National Health Security Fund Committee Meeting of Koh Samui Municipality

On August 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., the National Health Security Fund Committee of Koh Samui Municipality held its 9th meeting of the year at the Mook Samui Meeting Room, Koh Samui Municipality Office. The meeting, presided over by Ms. Suphinya Sri Thongkul, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui, saw the participation of various stakeholders, including municipal council members, heads of government departments, municipal employees, Fund Committee members, public health volunteers from villages (PHVs), representatives from Koh Samui Hospital, and community representatives.

Sep 1, 2023

Training to Enhance Social Welfare for the Elderly

A comprehensive training program was conducted to enhance social welfare for the elderly through integrated community networks and the promotion of moral values. The program aimed to develop the capacity and quality of life of the elderly holistically. ## Integrated Community Networks and the Promotion of Moral Values

Sep 1, 2023

Thailand Privilege Card: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC) marks its 20th anniversary with a fresh strategy designed to attract the premium foreign longterm residency market in Thailand. The company, which operates the Thailand Elite Card Project under the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has rebranded to become a global leader in offering premium privileges to those seeking longterm residency in the country.