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 1, 2023

Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri Nominated for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) is pushing for Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2023. With the final results expected to be released in October, the two cities have been nominated based on their unique identities and creative potential.

Aug 1, 2023

Cracking Down on Biker Gangs in Thailand

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are intensifying their efforts against five major biker gangs operating in Thailand, following the arrest of the leader and members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pattaya on July 21. Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn confirmed that the Outlaws MC, Hells Angels, Bandidos Motorcycle Club, Mongols Motorcycle Club, and Vagos Motorcycle Club are all being investigated. These gangs, predominantly run by Australian nationals, are involved in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, assault, extortion, theft, loansharking, fraud, money laundering, attempted murder, and murder.

Aug 1, 2023

Exploring the Night Sky: Thailand's Dark Sky Reserves

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have teamed up to promote "astronomical tourism" by designating 18 stargazing locations as dark sky reserves in 2023. These locations, free from artificial light, provide a perfect setting for stargazers and photographers alike.

Aug 1, 2023

Hotel Owner in Koh Samui Shocked by B11m Electricity Bill

A small hotel owner in Surat Thani's Koh Samui district received a rude awakening when she was sent an electricity bill for more than 11 million baht last month. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has since apologized for the miscalculation, which went viral on social media.

Jul 31, 2023

Dusit Thani College Celebrates 30 Years of Hospitality Education

Dusit Thani College, an esteemed educational institution specializing in the hospitality business under Dusit International, commemorated its 30th anniversary recently. Bangkok Post, Thailand's leading Englishlanguage media, was invited to socialize and participate in workshops at the college. The event showcased the dedication and expertise of the institute in cultivating quality professionals for Thailand's tourism and hospitality industry.

Jul 31, 2023

Smooth Transitions at St. Andrews Sathorn

At St. Andrews Sathorn, the focus is on providing smooth transitions for children as they change year groups. This is important to ensure that children feel safe and secure during these changes. New year groups bring exciting opportunities for growth and development, but they can also be a time of uncertainty. St. Andrews Sathorn is committed to dedicating time and effort in preparing children for these changes.

Jul 31, 2023

The Brutal Murder and Mutilation of a Woman in Samut Prakan

Samut Prakan police arrested a 23yearold man, Khajondet Jampathong, on suspicion of brutally killing and mutilating a 59yearold woman, Jitra Chantharunai. The arrest occurred on Sunday in front of the Charoenchai Condo 2 building on Soi Sri Boonruang 2 Road in Tambon Thepharak. The victim was Jampathong's neighbor and worked as a municipal street cleaner.

Jul 31, 2023

Road Accidents on the First Day of Long Holiday Weekend: 2,000 Injured, 22 Fatalities

On the first day of the long holiday weekend from July 28 to August 2, the nation's roads witnessed a significant number of accidents, leading to almost 2,000 injuries and 22 fatalities. According to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the main causes of these accidents were speeding, drowsiness, changing lanes, and dangerous overtaking.

Jul 31, 2023

Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing Senegalese Tourist Found in Phuket

The body of a missing Senegalese tourist, Cheikhonuna Ba, was found on Sunday morning after an extensive search operation. The 22yearold had gone missing on Friday while swimming in the sea off Freedom Beach in tambon Karon, Muang district. The body of a missing Senegalese tourist, Cheikhonuna Ba, was found on Sunday morning after an extensive search operation. The 22yearold had gone missing on Friday while swimming in the sea off Freedom Beach in tambon Karon, Muang district.

Jul 31, 2023

Legal and Civil Action Considered for Convicted Move Forward MP 'Ice Rayong'

The Election Commission (EC) is contemplating legal and civil action against Nakhonchai Khunnarong, a Move Forward Party MP, who ran in the May 14 election despite having a previous criminal conviction and jail time for theft. EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong highlighted that Nakhonchai's candidacy was prohibited under Section 98 of the constitution, which outlines criteria for those running for parliament, including courtordered imprisonment.

Jul 31, 2023

Tax Payment Process for 2023

This article will provide a detailed overview of the tax payment process for the year 2023. We will discuss the relevant departments and contact information for inquiries, as well as important deadlines and submission requirements. ## Finance Department: Revenue Development Division

Jul 31, 2023

Koh Lan's Green Waters: Waste and Plankton Bloom

Wastewater discharge on Koh Lan is identified as the primary cause of the plankton bloom that turned the sea smelly and green, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). The situation was initially brought to attention when the Facebook page "We Love Pattaya" posted pictures of the unusually green seawater around Koh Lan, a popular island located 7 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya Beach.

Jul 31, 2023

Japanese Woman's Tragic Death in Chiang Mai Hotel

A 25yearold Japanese woman was found deceased in a hotel room in Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in Thailand. The tragic incident occurred on a recent Monday morning, with the hotel staff alerting local police around 10 am. The woman was discovered in the hotel room's toilet, with a mobile phone charging cable wrapped around her neck.

Jul 31, 2023

Herbal Medicine: A Worthy Alternative in Thai Culture

The Covid19 pandemic has opened new doors for traditional Thai medicine (TTM), as people increasingly embrace herbal remedies. TTM has quickly become an integral part of Thai culture, offering a diverse range of traditional herbs as alternative treatments. The Covid19 pandemic has opened new doors for traditional Thai medicine (TTM), as people increasingly embrace herbal remedies. TTM has quickly become an integral part of Thai culture, offering a diverse range of traditional herbs as alternative treatments.

Jul 30, 2023

Koh Samui Celebrates the King's Birthday Anniversary with Merit-Making Ceremony

Meritmaking is an essential part of Thai culture, which revolves around performing good deeds and acts of generosity. It is often performed through offering alms to monks, especially on significant occasions, such as the birthday of a revered figure or a national holiday.

Jul 30, 2023

Senegalese Swimmer Missing in Phuket

A 22yearold Senegalese man, Cheikhonuna Ba, went missing while swimming at Freedom beach in Phuket on Friday. Fortyfive searchers from Karon municipality and other agencies continued the search operation on Saturday. ## Expanded Search Area

Jul 29, 2023

Royal Celebration: Honoring His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua's Birthday Anniversary

In the picturesque Koh Samui District of Surat Thani Province, people from all walks of life gather to celebrate and honor the birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. The festivities are filled with love, loyalty, and gratitude for the King's benevolent reign.

Jul 29, 2023

Illegal Resorts on Phu Thap Boek to be Demolished

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered the demolition of three illegally built resorts on Phu Thap Boek, a popular hillside tourism destination in Phetchabun province. Environment Minister Varawut Silpaarcha has tasked his adviser Yuthapol Angkinan, along with an environmental inspector and relevant agencies, to take swift action against the resorts.

Jul 29, 2023

Phuket International Airport Welcomes Direct Flights from Saudi Arabia

Phuket International Airport is set to welcome direct flights from Saudi Arabia starting October, as reported by the airport director, Monchai Tanode. This development follows the normalization of bilateral relations between the two countries in the previous year. Phuket International Airport is set to welcome direct flights from Saudi Arabia starting October, as reported by the airport director, Monchai Tanode. This development follows the normalization of bilateral relations between the two countries in the previous year.

Jul 28, 2023

Exploring Ko Kut and Ko Chang: An Island Getaway for Tourists

As the holidays approach, thousands of eager tourists and their vehicles are boarding ferries to the beautiful islands of Ko Kut and Ko Chang off the eastern province of Trat. On Friday morning, at the Laem Sok boat pier in tambon Ao Yai, Muang district, travelers embarked on five ferries that departed one after another between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM.