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

Jun 7, 2023

Overview of Public Health and Environment Initiative

A recent initiative launched by the Sanitation and Environmental Health Division aims to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of vendors in public places. The program focuses on promoting waste segregation, grease trap installation, and the use of environmentally friendly containers and packaging.

Jun 7, 2023

Tourists Escape Burning Bus on Bangkok Expressway

A group of Polish tourists narrowly escaped a potentially disastrous situation when their doubledecker bus caught fire on the Si Rat Expressway in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. The bus was en route to Ayutthaya, carrying 15 tourists from Poland and their Thai guide.

Jun 7, 2023

Ayutthaya Tourism Boosted by Blackpink's Lisa

Lalisa "Lisa" Manoban, a member of the popular South Korean girl group, Blackpink, recently visited the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. She shared photos from her trip on her Instagram account (@lalalalisa_m), which boasts 94.5 million followers. Lisa explored various ruins and temples in Ayutthaya after the Blackpink World Tour [BORN PINK] Bangkok concerts in late May.

Jun 7, 2023

Massive Methamphetamine Seizure in Saraburi Province

A major drug bust in Saraburi province led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 8 million methamphetamine pills worth an estimated 50 million baht. The suspects are believed to be members of the Jae Cake Sanam Chai drug trafficking network.

Jun 7, 2023

Govt Eyes UNESCO Spot for Late King

In an effort to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great's birth in 2027, the Thai government recently approved an Education Ministry proposal to submit his name to UNESCO for listing among the world's eminent personalities.

Jun 5, 2023

Crackdown on Tour Scam: Six Arrested in Surat Thani

Six individuals, including three men and three women, were recently arrested in Surat Thani for their involvement in a fraudulent tour operation. The suspects allegedly sold fake overseas tour packages, scamming their customers out of roughly 27 million baht. The arrests took place at the suspects' office in Phun Phin district in the Southern Thai province.

Jun 4, 2023

Royal Celebration in Koh Samui

On June 3, 2023, a grand ceremony was held at Kanchanaphisek Meeting Hall in Group 3, Ang Thong Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The event commenced at 18:00 hrs, and Mr. Chayaphon Intrasupa, the District Chief of Koh Samui, presided over the ceremony. Distinguished guests, including Mr. Suthamma Samthong, Deputy Mayor, and Mr. Pakorn Kanchanaphon, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Koh Samui, attended the event. Representatives from various government agencies, state enterprises, executives, officials, civil servants, and residents of Koh Samui District also participated in the ceremony, showcasing their unity and continued support for the monarchy.

Jun 3, 2023

Health Checkup Opportunity for Durian Gardeners and Other Farmers

A fantastic opportunity awaits durian gardeners, other farmers, and individuals affected by chemical use as a free health checkup event is being organized. Registration can be easily completed through Google Forms, and the event offers participants the flexibility to choose the date and location that suits them best.

Jun 3, 2023

Chinese Tourists Detained in Bangkok Pub Raid

In a recent raid on a highend pub in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district, almost 50 Chinese tourists were detained for questioning. Authorities seized a large quantity of illicit drugs during the early morning operation. The pub's operations were found to be similar to the infamous Jinling pub.

Jun 2, 2023

National Park Employee Faces Attempted Rape Charges

A 24yearold temporary employee at Erawan National Park, Pramote Khongkham, has been charged with attempted rape and indecent assault after a Lithuanian tourist filed a complaint. The park authorities have terminated Mr. Pramote's employment and requested that the police take strict action against him.

Jun 2, 2023

Small Firms Anticipate Alcohol Industry Liberalization

Small breweries and local distilleries in Thailand are optimistic about their future if the Move Forward Party (MFP) forms a coalition government and implements changes to liberalize the alcohol industry, as promised. Due to the current strict laws and regulations controlling production and retailing, these businesses have found it difficult to survive in a heavily monopolized market.

Jun 1, 2023

Strengthening Thai-Sri Lankan Relations on Vesak Day

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunawardena, was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha during his official visit to Thailand. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri praised Sri Lanka's rapid economic recovery and mentioned that Thailand is willing to provide further assistance if needed. The visit strengthens the diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have been connected through Buddhism for over 700 years.

Jun 1, 2023

Successful Phuket Crime-Free Project

The Phuket crimefree project has demonstrated notable success with over 1,000 foreigners apprehended for overstaying their visas. This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of 800 accommodation providers and the local Phuket Immigration Office. ## Strengthening Law Enforcement through Cooperation

May 31, 2023

Former Homeowner Surrenders After Killing New Owner

An unfortunate incident recently occurred in Pathum Thani, where a dispossessed former homeowner, Decha Phayakkha (66), allegedly killed the new owner, Kamolporn Donthong (52). The tragic event took place on Tuesday afternoon. Decha eventually surrendered to the police later that night.

May 31, 2023

Surat Thani Sees Surge in Foreign Visitors in 2023

Surat Thani, a popular resort province in Thailand, has experienced a significant increase in international visitor numbers this year. According to the provincial governor, more than 1.5 million foreign visitors have arrived since January, representing a 155% increase from the same period last year.

May 30, 2023

Chinese Tourism in Thailand Surges with Over 1 Million Visitors

The Thai Government has reported that more than 1 million Chinese tourists have visited the country since the start of the year. This indicates a growing confidence among Chinese visitors in Thailand's tourism industry, following the Covid19 pandemic. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri attributes this success to the collective efforts of agencies involved in regaining the trust of international tourists and maintaining Thailand's status as a popular global tourism destination.

May 29, 2023

Extradition of Alleged Killer Matthew Dupre from Canada to Thailand

Accused contract killer Matthew Dupre, wanted for the shooting of Indian gangster Jimi Sandhu in Phuket on February 4, 2022, has been quietly extradited to Thailand to face a murder charge. Last week, 10 members of the CSD's Hanuman special weapons and tactics unit, led by Pol Col Wichak Tarom, a deputy CSD commander, and 30 members of a Royal Thai Air Force special operations unit, left Don Mueang airport on a special Airbus A340 flight for Vancouver, Canada, to bring Dupre back to Thailand.

May 29, 2023

Massive Crystal Meth Seizure in Korat Leads to Two Arrests

In a recent drug bust operation, the Region 3 Provincial Police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, managed to seize 150 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrest two men. The capture took place on Mitrapap Highway in Pathai district, where a checkpoint was set up after authorities received a tipoff about two sedans carrying drugs through the area.

May 29, 2023

Koh Samui District Celebrates Her Majesty Queen Sutida's Birthday

Koh Samui, a beautiful district in Surat Thani Province, has planned a series of events to honor Her Majesty Queen Sutida Patcharasutapimonlak on the occasion of her birthday. These festivities will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the Kanchanapisek Meeting Hall located in Moo 3, Ang Thong Subdistrict.

May 29, 2023

Investigating Overweight-Truck Bribe-Paid Stickers

National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas has directed the highway police to look into allegations that drivers of overloaded trucks bearing special bribepaid stickers are avoiding arrest. Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong stated on Monday that Pol Gen Damrongsak wants the Highway Police Division to swiftly uncover the truth behind these accusations.