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

Jul 28, 2023

Ko Samui Tourism Flourishes During Long Holiday

Ko Samui, a popular island resort in the southern province of Surat Thani, has seen a significant increase in tourism during the recent sixday long holiday. The surge began on Friday, the first day of the extended vacation, which was made possible by the cabinet's decision to declare Monday, July 31, an extra day off. This decision led to a bustling and lively atmosphere at the Ko Samui airport, with numerous Thai and foreign tourists arriving on the island.

Jul 28, 2023

Strengthening Thai-Saudi Relations: Focus on Tourism and Investment

Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha of Thailand recently held a meeting with Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim AlSheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's Consultative Assembly. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss tourism and investment opportunities, particularly in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which spans the provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao. The deputy government spokeswoman, Tipanan Sirichana, elaborated that the meeting aimed to strengthen legislative cooperation between the two countries.

Jul 28, 2023

Thaksin Shinawatra's Potential Return to Thailand

Fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be treated as an elderly prisoner if he returns to Thailand to face his jail term, according to the Department of Corrections. Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced that her father is set to arrive at Don Mueang airport on August 10. This would mark Thaksin's first return to Thailand in 17 years.

Jul 27, 2023

New Partnership: Siam Piwat and Cathay Pacific Enhance Lifestyle Benefits for Members

Siam Piwat Group, a prominent real estate and retail developer, has joined forces with leading airline Cathay Pacific to provide increased lifestyle benefits to members of both VIZ and Cathay loyalty programs. This collaboration aims to strengthen Siam Piwat's premium business ecosystem and enhance its 'Inclusive Luxury Lifestyle Destination' positioning.

Jul 26, 2023

Heavy Rain and Floods Impact Nikhom Phatthana District

Rayong, an eastern province in Thailand, has been experiencing heavy rainfall since Thursday night, with Nikhom Phatthana district suffering the worst damage. Flash floods have affected several parts of the district as local authorities, including Nikhom Phatthana Police, Nikhom Phatthana Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO), Siam Ruam Jai Rescue Foundation, and the Siam Rayong Rescue Foundation, are working together to help those in need.

Jul 26, 2023

'Aem Cyanide' and Accomplices Indicted: Attempted Murder and Related Charges

Sararat "Aem Cyanide" Rangsiwuthaporn, her exhusband Pol Lt Col Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, and her lawyer Thanicha Aeksuwannawat have been indicted on attempted murder and colluding in theft charges. Prosecutors are still reviewing 14 murder cases allegedly committed by Ms. Sararat. The Office of Criminal Cases 5 in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) issued the indictments.

Jul 26, 2023

All Four Suspects in Pattaya Slaying in Custody

Three Germans and a Pakistani with Thai nationality have been arrested for the murder of a German businessman in Pattaya. The dismembered body of the 62yearold victim was found in a freezer at a rented house. ## Suspect Arrests and Background

Jul 26, 2023

Royal Patronage for Underprivileged Schools in Thailand

Nine underprivileged schools in Thailand have been placed under royal patronage by His Majesty the King, according to Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong. These schools, previously named "Sueksa Songkhro" Schools, will be renamed "Rajaprajanugroh" Schools after being adopted by the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation Under Royal Patronage.

Jul 24, 2023

Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Firearms in Thailand

In a nationwide operation targeting illegal firearms and criminal activities, Thai police have seized a significant number of illegal guns, ammunition, and drugs while arresting over 900 suspects. The monthlong crackdown began on July 1 and is supervised by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Jul 23, 2023

Vandalism by Foreigner Raises Concerns in Phuket

Phuket residents are increasingly concerned about a growing number of unsettling incidents involving foreign visitors. Recently, a TikTok video posted by user Pookpik409 showed a Caucasian man causing damage to parked vehicles in front of a convenience store. Phuket residents are increasingly concerned about a growing number of unsettling incidents involving foreign visitors. Recently, a TikTok video posted by user Pookpik409 showed a Caucasian man causing damage to parked vehicles in front of a convenience store.

Jul 21, 2023

Surge in Foreign Visitors Boosts Thailand's Tourism

Thailand has witnessed a significant increase in foreign tourists, with 15 million international arrivals within the first seven months of the year, according to deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek. The school summer breaks in northern hemisphere countries have contributed to this rise in international tourist numbers.

Jul 19, 2023

Boosting Tourism Through Korean TV Series: King the Land

The Culture Ministry of Thailand is planning to promote locations featured in the new Korean television series, "King the Land." The aim is to attract Korean tourists and fans of the drama. Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome appreciates the series for showcasing the country's beauty and boosting tourism. He encourages fans to visit Thailand and explore the filming locations.

Jul 18, 2023

Victory at Suzuka for Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak: A Stunning Race 1 Performance

AAS Motorsport by Absolute Racing's Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak and Klaus Bachler put up an extraordinary performance at the GT World Challenge Asia Powered by AWS at Suzuka. Starting from 11th place, they claimed victory in the first race, marking the #911 Porsche's first win of the season and strengthening Inthraphuvasak's hold on the overall standings.

Jul 18, 2023

ONCB Thwarts Drug Smuggling Attempts to Australia

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has successfully intercepted 35 drug smuggling cases at airports and seaports in 2023, leading to the seizure of 973.4 kg of methamphetamine and 70.7 kg of heroin destined for Australia. The secretarygeneral of the ONCB, Wichai Chaimongkol, reported that the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) and the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF) worked closely together on these transnational criminal cases.

Jul 17, 2023

Tragic Incident in Phuket: Korean Woman and Two Cats Found Dead

A distressing incident occurred in Phuket, where a South Korean woman, Mi Jung Park, aged 43, was discovered lifeless in her house, along with her two cats. The tragic discovery was made in Villa Soi 1, tambon Chalong, in Muang district on a Sunday.

Jul 17, 2023

Surfing the Global Electric Vehicle Wave: Thailand and Indonesia Collaborate

Thailand has experienced a remarkable surge in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, with over 32,000 EVs registered in just the first five months of this year, a 474.43% rise yearonyear. In comparison, Indonesia sold only 10,000 EVs in 2022 and predicts sales will reach around 50,000 units this year. This growth can be attributed to publicprivate partnerships and supportive government policies, such as the 80% tax break effective from November 2021 to November 2025 and subsidies ranging from 70,000 baht to 150,000 baht (US$2,000 to US$4,350) for eligible EVs.

Jul 17, 2023

Tropical Storm Talim Expected to Bring Heavy Rainfall Across Thailand

Tropical storm Talim, currently over Vietnam, is predicted to bring heavy rainfall to Thailand from July 16 to 20 due to its interaction with local monsoons. The Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast early on July 16, warning citizens to be vigilant and prepared for the potential impacts of the storm. The storm is expected to impact various regions throughout the country, and local authorities are urging residents to take precautions against flash floods and overflows, especially in areas near waterways and lowlands.

Jul 14, 2023

Arrests Made in German's Murder Case

Police have arrested two out of four suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a 62yearold German man, Hans Peter Ralter Mack. His dismembered body was discovered in a freezer in a rented house in Chon Buri. Police have arrested two out of four suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a 62yearold German man, Hans Peter Ralter Mack. His dismembered body was discovered in a freezer in a rented house in Chon Buri.

Jul 14, 2023

Suspect Surrenders in Pattaya Murder Case

In a shocking development, one person has surrendered to the police in connection to the brutal murder and dismemberment of a German property broker in Pattaya, Thailand. Two others have arrest warrants issued against them, as the investigation into this gruesome case continues. The victim, Hans Peter Mack, was discovered in a freezer in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district.

Jul 11, 2023

German Businessman's Disappearance: Two Foreigners Questioned

On the evening of July 10th, two foreigners were summoned to Nong Prue police station in Bang Lamung district for questioning regarding the disappearance of German property broker Hans Peter Ralter Mack. The identities and nationalities of the two individuals were not revealed, and they arrived at the station accompanied by their lawyers. According to Pol Col Tawee Kudthalaeng, the Nong Prue police chief, both foreigners refrained from providing statements, insisting that their attorneys would represent them in future legal proceedings.