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

Aug 5, 2023

Internship Program Offers a Path to Inclusive Living in Japan

AP Thailand and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. join forces to create an unparalleled internship opportunity for Thai students. ## AP OPEN HOUSE 2023: A Unique Internship Experience

Aug 5, 2023

ASEAN Heritage Parks: Thailand's Newest Additions

Phu Kradueng National Park is one of three newly designated ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) in Thailand. Known for its rare plant species, such as bloomrapes (orobanchaceae), and white and red roses, the park also serves as home to many endangered and protected wildlife animals. Some of the notable species found within its boundaries are the serow, Java pangolin, elongated tortoise, and lar gibbon.

Aug 5, 2023

TOA's Commitment to a Greener Future: Planting 2 Million Trees by 2034

TOA, a leading paint company, recently announced its ambitious plan to plant over 2 million trees by 2034 through its "TOA SAVE US SAVE EARTH" reforestation project. This initiative aims to support their objective of achieving netzero emissions by 2050. TOA's dedication to sustainable business operations is demonstrated by adhering to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, promoting longterm business growth, and striving for a greener future.

Aug 5, 2023

Rising Dangers at Phuket Beaches: Two More Tourists Drown

Two Indian tourists tragically drowned at Karon beach in Phuket on August 2nd, 2023, while a third survived the ordeal after being rescued. This heartbreaking incident now brings the total number of tourists who have drowned in Phuket's waters to four in just five days.

Aug 5, 2023

Phuket Overstayer Arrested with Cocaine

Phuket authorities have arrested a Nigerian man on Thursday for overstaying his visa and possessing cocaine. The arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown by immigration police on foreigners residing in the country illegally. Phuket authorities have arrested a Nigerian man on Thursday for overstaying his visa and possessing cocaine. The arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown by immigration police on foreigners residing in the country illegally.

Aug 4, 2023

Introducing Nirvana COLLECTION Krungthep Kreetha: The Ultimate Ultra-Luxury Real Estate Investment in Bangkok

Real estate has always been considered a secure investment, but for a property to truly stand out in the luxury segment, it must possess unique qualities, be situated in a prime area, and provide exclusive privileges. Bangkok has recently seen the rise of a remarkable ultraluxury detached house project that has captured the attention of the new wealthy and young successor clientele. Developed by Nirvana Development Public Company Limited (NVD), the magnificent "Nirvana COLLECTION Krungthep Kreetha" redefines luxury living with its concept of turning a residence into an art gallery that captures memorable moments for every family member, all under the theme of 'The Art of an Indulgent Life.'

Aug 4, 2023

Fireworks Warehouse Explosion: Owners Hiding in Malaysia

The owners of the recently exploded fireworks warehouse in Narathiwat, Sompong Nakul and Piyanuch Peungwirawat, have been confirmed to be hiding in Malaysia. The couple's business is allegedly connected to influential figures in the southern Thai province. According to Narathiwat police chief Pol Maj Gen Anurut Imarb, the two individuals have not contacted the authorities to turn themselves in.

Aug 4, 2023

Pattaya Tourist Hostage Video Revealed as Hoax

A video that recently surfaced, showing a group of MiddleEastern tourists held at gunpoint in Pattaya, has been confirmed as a hoax by local police. Two Myanmar workers involved in the prank now face potential imprisonment. ## Arrests and Confiscation

Aug 4, 2023

No Demolition for Ashton Asoke Condo: BMA

The Ashton Asoke condominium project in Bangkok has received some relief as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that the luxury condo will not be demolished. Instead, the developer must obtain a new construction permit within 30 days. The Ashton Asoke condominium project in Bangkok has received some relief as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that the luxury condo will not be demolished. Instead, the developer must obtain a new construction permit within 30 days.

Aug 3, 2023

Tragic Drownings at Karon Beach

On a fateful Tuesday evening at Karon beach in Phuket, two Indian tourists tragically drowned, while another was rescued after being swept out to sea by powerful waves. This incident brings the total number of drowning victims in the area to four in just five days.

Aug 3, 2023

Transforming the Lives of Captive Elephants

The push to end commercial exploitation and restore Thailand's national treasures to their natural habitat ## The Historical Role of Elephants in Thailand

Aug 3, 2023

SCB and OR Collaborate to Support SMEs with Solar Rooftop Loans

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) continues to promote sustainability among SME entrepreneurs with its SCB SME Green Finance solutions. In partnership with PTT Oil and Retail Business PCL (OR), the bank has initiated a solar rooftop loan project custommade for PTT gas station dealers.

Aug 3, 2023

Tourists Threatened by Gunman in Pattaya

Police in Pattaya are searching for a man caught on video holding a group of foreign tourists at gunpoint at the Sor Thor Ro 5 hill viewpoint. The 99second video shows the gunman, who appears to be of foreign descent, aged 2030 years, and about 170 centimeters tall, threatening around 20 men of MiddleEastern appearance. He ordered them to sit down next to each other while wielding a pistol.

Aug 3, 2023

Koh Lanta Portuguese Man O' War Alert

Tourists visiting Koh Lanta island in Krabi province are being warned to avoid swimming in the sea following reported sightings of the deadly siphonophore known as the Portuguese man o' war. ## Recent Sting Incident

Aug 3, 2023

Seized Smuggled Goods: Chinese Owner Arrested in Thailand

On August 2, 2023, Thai police arrested a 28yearold Chinese man, Luo Zhipeng, in connection with a massive cache of smuggled, pirated goods found in a warehouse in Muang district, tambon Phraekasa, Samut Prakan province. The discovery included approximately 100,000 counterfeit items ranging from gas stoves and skateboards to hair clippers, camera bags, and table fans.

Aug 2, 2023

Chulalongkorn Business School: Triple Crown Excellence

Chulalongkorn Business School Affirms Its Position as Thailand's Premier Business School with Prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation ## Achieving the Triple Crown Accreditation

Aug 2, 2023

Woman Accused of Leading Romance Scam Gang

Police recently arrested Dueanpen Jitwimolprasert, a 33yearold woman suspected of being the mastermind behind the infamous Busarakham romance scam gang. She was apprehended at a house in tambon Tha Chumpol of Photharam district, Ratchaburi province. The Busarakham gang reportedly used photos of an attractive, wellendowed woman under the alias "Busarakham" on a dating app to lure men into their scheme.

Aug 2, 2023

Railway Rubbish Clean-up Initiated After Viral Photos

A joint effort by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been initiated to clean up rubbish along rail tracks near Phaya Thai. The response comes after a Japanese netizen posted pictures of a Kiha183 train, donated by Japan for tourism purposes, passing by what appeared to be a dump site in the area.

Aug 2, 2023

Maya Bay Closes for Natural Rehabilitation and Safety

Maya Bay, a beautiful location in Krabi made famous by the Hollywood film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, will be closed to the public and tourists for two months during the monsoon season. This closure, lasting from August until September 30th, is aimed at the natural rehabilitation of the area while also prioritizing tourist safety, as strong waves make it difficult for boats to dock at Loh Sama Bay near Koh Phi Phi Le.

Aug 2, 2023

Koh Tao Welcomes Record Tourist Arrivals

Koh Tao, a scenic island in the Gulf of Thailand northwest of Koh Samui, recently celebrated a new milestone. On July 28, the island saw a recordbreaking number of tourist arrivals, with 3,106 visitors arriving by boat. This surge in arrivals marked the beginning of a sixday government holiday that lasted until August 2.