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

Aug 22, 2023

Out-of-Court Settlements: A Boon to the Economy

Outofcourt settlements have significantly benefited the economy since the law facilitating them took effect on May 23, 2019. According to the government, a total of 53,030 civil and 353 criminal cases have been settled without court involvement. This approach has saved people about 6.88 billion baht in court fees for civil cases, while outofcourt settlements in criminal cases have saved the state up to 27 billion baht.

Aug 21, 2023

New Koh Samui City Municipality LINE App: A Comprehensive Guide

Koh Samui City Municipality has recently introduced an innovative way for citizens to keep uptodate with news and relevant information about their city. The LINE app, a popular messaging platform, has now been customized to offer a range of services designed to make life easier for Koh Samui residents.

Aug 18, 2023

Health Insurance Fund Committee Meeting at Koh Samui Municipality

On August 17, 2013, the Health Insurance Fund Committee of Koh Samui Municipality held its 8th meeting of the year. Chaired by Miss Supinya Sritongkul, the Deputy Mayor, the meeting took place at the Mook Samui Conference Room in the Koh Samui Municipality Office. In attendance were heads of government departments, municipal staff, and committee members of the Village Health Volunteer Fund (VHV).

Aug 18, 2023

Chinese Woman Arrested in Extensive Police Raids

On August 18th, 2023, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) led a series of coordinated raids across 29 locations in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Chon Buri, resulting in the arrest of a Chinese woman for various crimes including fraud and money laundering.

Aug 17, 2023

New National Police Chief Selection Underway

As the formation of a new government coalition continues, the appointment of a new national police chief is set to be finalized by the end of the month. Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha is expected to oversee the appointment in his capacity as chairman of the Police Commission. According to Section 78(1) of the National Police Act, the Prime Minister can appoint a police chief based on seniority, calibre, and experience in investigation or suppression from a list of deputy candidates. The appointment then goes to the Police Commission for endorsement, followed by submission for royal approval.

Aug 16, 2023

Koh Samui Municipality Council Meeting

The Koh Samui Municipality Council has scheduled its 3rd ordinary session for the 1st meeting of the year on Friday, August 18, 2023. The meeting will take place at the Koh Samui Municipal Council Meeting Room, beginning at 13:30 hrs.

Aug 16, 2023

Police Crackdown on Counterfeit Pharmacists in Bangkok

In a recent crackdown on fake pharmacists operating in Bangkok, 13 individuals were arrested by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) following a series of coordinated raids. These raids took place at 14 pharmacies across the capital, instigated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During these operations, authorities seized 156 pieces of evidence worth 1.4 million baht.

Aug 15, 2023

Koh Samui Municipality Announces Auction for Renting Public Restrooms and Lad Koh Viewpoint Areas

Koh Samui Municipality has recently released an announcement regarding the auction for renting six public restrooms and areas around the scenic Lad Koh viewpoint. Interested parties are invited to participate in the auction, with each item considered separately. ## Auction Details and Criteria

Aug 15, 2023

Koh Samui Municipality Embraces Technology for Better Citizen Engagement

Koh Samui Municipality has taken a significant step towards improving its communication with citizens by launching a dedicated LINE app, called "Koh Samui Municipality." This innovative approach will provide a more convenient and efficient channel for citizens to stay informed about the latest news and important information.

Aug 14, 2023

Koh Samui City Municipality: Embracing Technology for Better Communication

The Koh Samui City Municipality takes a significant step towards modernizing its communication channels by making use of the popular messaging app, LINE. This move aims to simplify and streamline the process of sharing information and news with the citizens.

Aug 12, 2023

Easier Tourist Visa Process for Chinese Visitors to Boost Tourism

In an effort to streamline the visa application process, the government has decided to relax tourist visa requirements for Chinese visitors and shorten the standard time required for visa approvals. This move aims to make the process more convenient for tourists visiting the country.

Aug 11, 2023

Police Officers Transferred Following Gambling Raid in Chiang Mai

Five senior police officers from Chang Phueak police station have been transferred to inactive posts after being accused of allowing the 89 CLUB Casino, a gambling den, to operate under their watch. The transfer order was issued following a raid on the casino located in the Santitham area of tambon Chang Phueak in Muang district. The casino's operation violated local regulations and led to an investigation into how it was allowed to function.

Aug 11, 2023

Iraqi Man Detained for Visa Overstay of 15 Years in Thailand

An Iraqi man, identified as Oday Jabbar Khudhair, has been arrested in Kanchanaburi, a border province in Thailand, for overstaying his visa by almost 15 years. The 43yearold was caught by immigration police at a local guesthouse following a tipoff about suspicious activity.

Aug 9, 2023

Koh Samui Municipality Welcomes Inspection Committee and Provincial Governance Committee

Koh Samui, a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand, recently played host to an essential government event. On August 8, 2023, key stakeholders gathered at the Phet Samui meeting room within the Koh Samui Municipality Office to discuss pressing matters and further collaboration.

Aug 8, 2023

Monitoring and Evaluation Committee Meeting for Koh Samui Municipality Development Plan

This article provides an indepth report on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee meeting for the Koh Samui Municipality Development Plan. The meeting took place on August 3, 2013, at the Mook Samui Meeting Room in the Koh Samui Municipality Office. The primary focus of this gathering was to review the performance results of the 2013 fiscal year and discuss guidelines for future monitoring and evaluation.

Aug 6, 2023

Thai Military Reshuffle Gains Attention

The annual military reshuffle in Thailand is drawing attention as top leaders of the three armed forces and the chief of the Thai defense forces are scheduled for mandatory retirement at the end of September. This year, the reshuffle will not be sent to the cabinet for approval. Instead, it will be considered under the 2008 Defense Ministry Administration Act. A sevenmember panel, chaired by Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prayut Chanocha, will review the list before submitting it for royal approval.

Aug 4, 2023

Investigation of a Mysterious Find on Koh Phangan Island

A shocking discovery was made on Koh Phangan, a southern island in Thailand known for its full moon parties. The local authorities were informed by waste collectors that human remains, specifically a pelvis and intestines, were discovered at a dump in Moo 4 village of Koh Phangan municipality. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm on August 3, 2023.

Aug 3, 2023

Fireworks Warehouse Explosion Leads to Police Hunt

On Wednesday, police issued arrest warrants for the owners of a fireworks warehouse in Narathiwat that exploded on Saturday. The blast in tambon Muno of Sungai Kolok district resulted in 12 fatalities, 121 injuries, and damage to 292 houses. The owners, Sompong Nakul and his wife Piyanuch Peungwirawat, failed to report for questioning on Tuesday.

Jul 31, 2023

Bhumjaithai Party Rejects Coalition with Election Winner Move Forward Party

The Bhumjaithai Party, which placed third in the May 14 election with 71 House seats, has confirmed its refusal to join a coalition government involving the Move Forward Party (MFP). Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the party remains committed to its initial standpoint and will not participate in a coalition government that includes the MFP.

Jul 23, 2023

Outlaws Motorcycle Club Leader Arrested in Raid

On July 22, police in Chon Buri arrested four foreign suspects, including the leader of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pattaya, during a raid connected to the alleged murder of German property broker Hans Peter Walter Mack in Nong Prue district.