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Latest news and updates about Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands

2062 articles

Thailand News•May 22, 2023

Thailand Welcomes 10 Million Foreign Tourists Since January

Thailand has seen an influx of nearly 10 million foreign tourists from January to May 15, contributing approximately 391 billion baht in revenue. The majority of visitors come from East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The government anticipates reaching seven million Chinese tourists this year.

Thailand News•May 20, 2023

South Korean National Arrested for Drug Smuggling Allegations

A South Korean man has been apprehended by the police in Thailand after receiving a tipoff about his alleged involvement in the smuggling of crystal methamphetamine to South Korea. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) collaborated with the Korea National Police earlier this month to investigate the 46yearold suspect, identified as Chun Younbae. Chun has been allegedly smuggling crystal meth to South Korea between 2021 and 2022.

Thailand News•May 19, 2023

District Chief Arrested for Alleged Bribery in Cockfighting Operations

A district chief in Nakhon Sawan, northern Thailand, was arrested on allegations of demanding bribes from a cockfighting operator. Prasit Phattanasitthicheewin, a 59yearold chief of Mae Wong district office, was arrested by a team of police led by Counter Corruption Division (CCD) commander Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankew on charges of bribery and malfeasance in office.

Thailand News•May 19, 2023

The Cyanide Murders: Gambling Addiction as a Potential Motive

Sararat "Aem" Rangsiwuthaporn, dubbed "Aem Cyanide" by netizens, is suspected of murdering 14 people using cyanide. The police investigation into her financial activities uncovered a possible motive: a serious gambling addiction. A staggering 78 million baht ($2.3 million) passed through her bank accounts, with some funds transferred to proxy accounts set up to receive cash transfers from gamblers.

Thailand News•May 19, 2023

Man Arrested for Killing and Burying Bank Manager in Nonthaburi

Tasapong Supromin, a 32yearold man, was arrested by Nonthaburi investigators and Din Daeng police in Din Daeng district, Bangkok, for the murder of a 53yearold bank manager, Rotenaruebet Hasadindetdamrong. The suspect was taken to the Sai Noi police station in Nonthaburi after his arrest.

Thailand News•May 18, 2023

Six Still Critical After Phuket Boat Accident

Phuket, Thailand Six people, including four Russians and two Thais, are in critical but stable condition after a speedboat accident in Chalong Bay, Phuket. ## Accident Details

Thailand News•May 18, 2023

Phuket Speedboat Accident: 30 Injured and 1 Missing

On a fateful Wednesday evening, a speedboat carrying 33 Russian tourists met with an unfortunate accident in Chalong Bay, Phuket. The crash left 30 people injured, with one tourist still missing. The boat, Thanathip Marine 555, was returning from the Phi Phi islands to Chalong Bay when it hit a channel marker at around 5:30 PM.

Thailand News•May 18, 2023

Polish Tourist Denied Bail in Murder Case

A Polish tourist, Jan Jerzy LagodaFilippow, aged 25, was arrested in Sa Kaeo province's Aranyaprathet district on Monday while attempting to flee to Cambodia. He is suspected of murdering and dismembering his Ukrainian girlfriend, Alona Savchenko, aged 25, in a highrise condominium in Bangkok's Bang Kholaem district after arriving as a tourist on April 29.

Thailand News•May 18, 2023

Illegal Migration in Kanchanaburi: 42 Arrested Near Border

In a recent crackdown, 42 jobseekers from Myanmar were arrested after illegally crossing the border into Sangkhla Buri district in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. The group was comprised of 27 men and 15 women, all of whom were apprehended following a tipoff about suspiciouslooking individuals in the area.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

Tragic Discovery of a Toddler's Body in Narathiwat

In a shocking incident in Muang district, Narathiwat, a threeyearold girl named Norasabeena Naekama was found dead and naked not far from her home on Tuesday, May 16th. Just two days earlier, Norasabeena had mysteriously disappeared from her home. In a shocking incident in Muang district, Narathiwat, a threeyearold girl named Norasabeena Naekama was found dead and naked not far from her home on Tuesday, May 16th. Just two days earlier, Norasabeena had mysteriously disappeared from her home.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

Better Conditions for Thai Berry Pickers in Nordic Countries

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) recently engaged in discussions with Nordic authorities about human trafficking, with a focus on improving regulations associated with labor contracts. Deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn led the meeting on May 16, which included Janna Davidson, Swedish National Rapporteur, and representatives from the Nordic Police and Customs Cooperation.

Events•May 17, 2023

Finch: The Ultimate Lifestyle Destination in Bangkok's Sukhumvit 11

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bangkok's Sukhumvit 11 district, Finch takes the city's nightlife scene to new heights with its captivating combination of international cuisine, cuttingedge mixology, and diverse entertainment options. The brainchild of Deepak Mishra, founder of Finch Inter Company Limited, this trendy hotspot has already tasted success in India, with locations in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Ludhiana. Finch Bangkok marks the brand's first Southeast Asian venture, with plans for further regional expansion.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

Research Initiatives to Enhance Souvenir Development on Koh Samui

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has devised a plan to support research targeting the improvement of souvenirs sold on Koh Samui, a wellknown tourist destination. The island's main economic crop is coconut, with other plants such as banana also being widely used in souvenir production.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

AI to Aid Forensic Work in Tackling Sex Crimes

Researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at Mahidol University are working on a project to improve forensic sciences for sexrelated crimes using artificial intelligence (AI). The Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest (BTFP) has granted funding to support this pioneering endeavor.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

New Charge Filed Against Aem Cyanide's Ex-Husband

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police have filed another charge against Pol Lt Col Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, the former husband of accused serial poisoner Sararat "Aem" Rangsiwuthaporn. CSD deputy commander Pol Col Anek Taosuparp went to Region 7 Provincial Police headquarters in Nakhon Pathom and laid the additional charge against Pol Lt Col Withoon. He is accused of helping a suspect avoid penalty or receive a lighter penalty by concealing or taking away evidence of an alleged crime.

World•May 17, 2023

ASEAN Heat Wave Attributed to Climate Change Inaction

A recent study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) initiative has found that the extreme heatwave experienced in parts of Southeast Asia last month was primarily driven by humaninduced climate change. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Laos, which were at least 2°C hotter than they would have been without climate change.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

Pita Limjaroenrat's Remarkable Quest to Become Thailand's 30th Prime Minister

The recent election saw the Move Forward Party secure the highest number of MP seats. However, the question of whether their leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, will become the next Prime Minister still remains uncertain. The political landscape is complex, and numerous factors will determine the outcome.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

MFP List MP-Elect Resigns Over Drink-Driving Incident

Nateepat Kulsetasit, a Move Forward Party (MFP) list MPelect, has resigned from her position as an MP candidate after being arrested for drinkdriving. She offered a public apology on Tuesday and expressed regret for her actions, stating that she had let people down and would be unable to vote for the samesex marriage legislation that she had championed.

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

Thai Embassy Clerk Arrested for Visa Fraud

A former Thai embassy employee in Beijing has been apprehended for fraudulent visa issuance to Chinese students. The clerk reportedly issued incorrect visas to students intending to study in Thailand, keeping the difference in fees for personal gain. ## Visa Mismanagement

Thailand News•May 17, 2023

The Magnificent Giant Koran of Yala Attracts Muslim Visitors

Yala's Raman district has recently become a popular destination for Muslims from various regions, all thanks to its latest artistic creation the nation's biggest Koran. This massive model of the Koran was made for the annual celebration of Eid alFitr, which marked the end of Ramadan on April 21 this year.