News

All News

Latest news and updates about Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands

2062 articles

Thailand News•Jun 6, 2023

Man Seeks Justice Over Unlawful Sale of Car by ONCB

Mai Wongwiangkham, a 55yearold Lao tour guide, found himself in a predicament after being charged by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) for possessing 14kg of heroin in 2016. The ONCB accused Mai of smuggling the drugs into the kingdom while driving to Nong Khai to pick up Thai tourists bound for Laos. As part of the prosecution efforts, the ONCB impounded Mai's Chery sedan, valued at approximately 350,000 baht.

Thailand News•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.

World•Jun 5, 2023

World Environment Day: A United Nations Initiative

World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th every year, is an initiative by the United Nations (UN) to inspire cooperation and raise awareness about the environment. The UN aims to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to address pressing environmental issues and contribute to creating a sustainable future.

Thailand News•Jun 5, 2023

Police Takedown of Chiang Rai Scam Ring

In a recent operation, officers from Provincial Police Region 5 and the Immigration Bureau arrested a Chinese national and 12 accomplices on charges of running an online scam. Pol Lt Gen Piya Tawichai, the Provincial Police Region 5 commissioner, reported that the arrest was made after receiving a tipoff about a group of scammers operating in Chiang Rai city.

Thailand News•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.

Thailand News•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.

Thailand News•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.

Thailand News•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.

Thailand News•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.

Local News•Jun 2, 2023

Samui Neon Run: A Nighttime Adventure for Fitness Enthusiasts

The Samui Neon Run 2023 promises to be an electrifying event for running enthusiasts and fitness fans. Organized by Central Samui, this unique night run will take place on June 4, 2023, offering participants the opportunity to embark on an exciting adventure through the streets of Central Samui.

Thailand News•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.

Thailand News•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

Thailand News•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.

Thailand News•May 31, 2023

Highway Police Division Commander Reassigned Amid Bribery Allegations

Pol Maj Gen Ekkaraj Limsangkat, the commander of the Highway Police Division, faced an unexpected transfer to an inactive post at the Operations Centre of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Tuesday. The reassignment comes after allegations surfaced of receiving kickbacks from overloaded lorries. The transfer order, effective immediately, was signed by CIB chief Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej. In the meantime, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the commander of the AntiCorruption Division (ACD), has taken over Pol Maj Gen Ekkaraj's position until further notice.

Thailand News•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.

Local News•May 30, 2023

Practical Training on Utilizing Biological Agents for Plant Disease and Pest Management

On May 17, 2023, a practical training session was held at Yai Phan Farm in the Ang Thong Subdistrict of Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. The event focused on using biological agents as a means for controlling, preventing, and eradicating plant diseases and pests. The initiative was part of a broader project aimed at managing various plant diseases and pests throughout the fiscal year 2023.

Local News•May 30, 2023

Plastic Smart Cities Project: A Collaborative Effort to Reduce Plastic Waste in Ko Samui

Ko Samui, a beautiful island in Thailand, has been facing challenges related to plastic waste management. To address this issue, the Ko Samui Municipality, together with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Thailand), have launched an initiative called the Plastic Smart Cities project. The primary aim of this joint effort is to reduce plastic waste in the area by 30% by 2024.

Thailand News•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.

Local News•May 30, 2023

Koh Samui Municipal Health Security Fund: Budget Allocation for Health Projects

The Koh Samui Municipality is dedicated to improving public health and wellbeing in the region. On May 29, 2023, at the Phet Samui Conference Room, a meeting was held to discuss the acceptance and allocation of the budget from the Koh Samui Municipal Health Security Fund. The purpose of the meeting was to allocate funds to 39 village health projects, which focus on four key areas of public health. These projects aim to screen, prevent, and control various diseases and health conditions. A total budget of 2,559,254 baht was approved for the implementation of 153 projects.

Thailand News•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.