Author

Jonathan Miller

Former BBC World Service correspondent and Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Guardian (2012-2023). Peabody Award recipient for his documentary series on democratic movements in Thailand. Author of "The Bangkok Dispatches" and regular contributor to Foreign Policy magazine.

341 articles

Sep 8, 2023

Government Takes Action on El Nino Consequences

The Thai government is ramping up initiatives to mitigate the effects of the El Nino weather anomaly, which has caused reduced rainfall and drought, impacting the country's agricultural sector. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns, as the welfare of the population and the agricultural sector are top priorities.

Sep 8, 2023

New Minister Abandons the Plan to Block Facebook Access in Thailand

Thailand's new Digital Economy and Society Minister, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, announced that he will retract his predecessor's threat to block Facebook access in the country due to its inability to control scam ads. Prasert acknowledges that scams are a significant problem but believes that blocking Facebook would negatively impact millions of businesses relying on the social network.

Sep 7, 2023

Manhunt for Gunman Who Killed Police Officer During Promotion Talks

A manhunt is underway for suspected gunman Thananchai Manmak, 45, who allegedly killed a highway police officer and seriously injured another during a promotion discussion in Muang district, Nakhon Pathom province, on Wednesday evening. The police have deployed a team of Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers led by deputy Pol Col Pornsak Laolujiralai, as well as officers from Provincial Police Region 7, to various locations in Nakhon Pathom and nearby provinces in their search for the suspect.

Sep 7, 2023

Koh Samui City Municipality's Initiative to Enhance Road Safety

On September 6, 2023, at 10:00 am, a significant effort was made to improve road safety in Koh Samui. Mr. Suthum Samthong, the Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui City Municipality, led a team of municipal officials and employees to Bo Phut Police Station in Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District. The objective was to provide traffic equipment aimed at preventing and reducing road accidents.

Sep 6, 2023

Nationwide Police Station Transparency Assessment

Recently, the National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC) revealed that a staggering 86% of nearly 1,500 police stations across the nation failed to pass integrity and transparency tests. Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, NACC chairman, announced the annual integrity and transparency assessments (ITA) results for district offices and police stations alike.

Sep 6, 2023

Improved Visa Policies to Boost Tourism and Investment between China and Thailand

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, has expressed his support for the new government's policies regarding visa privileges for Chinese visitors. This move is expected to stimulate tourism and investment between the two countries. Mr. Han discussed the visa measures during an orientation for the 18th Mandarin for Government Officers Workshop, organized by the ThaiChinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) and the King Prajadhipok's Institute. Pol Lt Gen Pitak Jarusombat, deputy president of the TCCRC, also attended the event.

Sep 5, 2023

Academic Collaboration MOU between Koh Samui Municipality and Suratthani Rajabhat University

On September 4, 2023, at the Mook Samui Meeting Room, Koh Samui Municipality, Mr. Suthum Samthong, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui Municipality, acting on behalf of the Mayor of Koh Samui Municipality, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation between Koh Samui Municipality and Suratthani Rajabhat University. The signing ceremony was attended by the Municipal Secretary, municipal staff, faculty members of the Graduate School of Suratthani Rajabhat University, and witnesses from both parties.

Sep 5, 2023

Thailand's Free Visa for Chinese Tourists: A Double-Edged Sword?

The newly proposed freevisa travel privilege for Chinese visitors in Thailand, championed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is set to launch on October 1st. The primary goal of this policy is to attract more Chinese tourists, who previously made up the majority of tourist arrivals in the country. However, despite the easing of Covid19 restrictions, the expected rebound in Chinese visitors has not been as strong as anticipated.

Sep 5, 2023

The Troubles of an Informant Caught Between Corrupt Police and a Drug Gang

Jang Talat Phlu, a police informant operating under an alias, found himself in a dangerous situation as he was caught between corrupt police officers and a drug gang in Bangkok. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Jang turned to the Sai Mai Tong Rod Facebook page, which is known for providing assistance during the Covid19 lockdowns.

Sep 4, 2023

Arrest of a Wanted Contract Killer from Police Blacklist

A notorious contract killer, ranked 186 on the Royal Thai Police blacklist, was recently apprehended in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Found at a rubber plantation, the suspect has been charged with premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms, and other offenses.

Aug 31, 2023

Deputy Police Chief Surachate Investigates Cambodia Scam-Deaths Case

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn is set to travel to Cambodia to collaborate with local law enforcement in hunting down a Chineseled scam gang in Poipet. This gang is connected to a tragic family incident in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

Aug 29, 2023

Koh Samui City Municipality Council Meeting and Agendas

The Koh Samui City Municipality organized a council meeting on August 28, 2013, to discuss various important agendas concerning the city's development projects and plans. The meeting was attended by council members, municipal clerks, and heads of government departments, all aiming to reach consensus on the discussed matters.

Aug 29, 2023

PM Srettha Announces Finalized Cabinet Line-up

Newly appointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Monday that his cabinet lineup has been finalized. This comes amid speculation that the new defense minister could be a civilian member of the prime minister's Pheu Thai Party. Newly appointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Monday that his cabinet lineup has been finalized. This comes amid speculation that the new defense minister could be a civilian member of the prime minister's Pheu Thai Party.

Aug 29, 2023

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Collaborates with Airlines for High Season Tourism Plans

Newlyappointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin held a meeting with representatives of eight airlines on Monday to discuss strategies for capitalizing on the expected increase in tourist arrivals during the high season. The CEOs present at the meeting included: Newlyappointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin held a meeting with representatives of eight airlines on Monday to discuss strategies for capitalizing on the expected increase in tourist arrivals during the high season. The CEOs present at the meeting included:

Aug 27, 2023

Srettha Plans Small Mobile Cabinet Meetings in Provinces

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed his intention to hold small mobile cabinet meetings in various provinces to better understand the problems and needs of local residents. Following his recent trip to Phuket, where he pledged to boost tourism, Srettha visited Phangnga to meet with entrepreneurs and the local business community.

Aug 27, 2023

Mobile Cabinet Meetings: A New Approach for Local Connectivity

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed a keen interest in connecting with the needs and concerns of local communities throughout the country. With this goal in mind, he plans to establish small mobile cabinet meetings in various provinces. These meetings are designed to allow the Prime Minister and his team to listen to the issues faced by locals and address their needs in a more direct manner.

Aug 27, 2023

Bhumjaithai Party's Strong Position in Coalition Government

Bhumjaithai, the secondlargest party in the government coalition, has demonstrated its political strength, as it is poised to secure several crucial cabinet positions. The party, which holds 71 seats in parliament, played a strong hand in negotiations and even threatened to leave the coalition if they didn't get their desired positions.

Aug 25, 2023

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's Visit to Phuket and Phang-nga

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently embarked on a twoday visit to the southern provinces of Phuket and Phangnga. The purpose of this visit was to engage with locals and gather opinions from the private sector to explore ways of promoting tourism in these regions.

Aug 25, 2023

Torsak Sukvimol Set to Become New National Police Chief

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol is expected to become the new national police chief, replacing Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas. According to a police source, Torsak's name is among a list of reshuffled officers awaiting vetting and endorsement by the Police Commission. The commission, chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha, is scheduled to meet on Friday.

Aug 25, 2023

G.S. Know the Law, Fight Against Drug Hazards: A Collaborative Effort in Thailand

On August 10, 2023, at 09:00 a.m., Koh Samui School held a ceremony to launch the G.S. Know the Law, Fight Against Drug Hazards project. School director Mr. Banyat Poolphon presided over the event, which was attended by teachers, students, police officers, municipal officials, and representatives from the Department of Public Health and Environment.