Year: 2019
- Thailand News
Anti fake news website is now live
The Anti-Fake News Centre, created by the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, opened last Friday and is now available to access online. The government says the centre will target fake news that might have an impact on the public and public assets, using examples of news about epidemics, disasters, the environment and the economy, and news that could create social…
Read More » - Food
Can you eat Bangkok’s biggest burger? 6 kilos and 10,000 calories – VIDEO
PHOTO: Chris Steaks and Burgers The gauntlet has been thrown down in Bangkok after a challenge started on You Tube to eat what is said to be the city’s biggest burger. Reuters reports that Chris Steaks and Burgers is offering diners a 10,000 baht prize if they can finish the 6 kilogram mega-burger, which is served with onion rings, bacon and…
Read More » - Economy News
PM signals more stimulus packages to lift Thai economy
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says Thailand needs more measures to boost the local economy. He made the remark during the meeting of the Council of the Economic Ministers on Friday. The PM reassured the meeting that Thailand’s and other ASEAN economies were not in recession, but would have slower growth next year, so Thailand needs to come up with stimulus measures.…
Read More » - World News
American convicted by Cambodian court for sex abuse of underage girls
PHOTO: khmer440.comA Cambodian court has sentenced an US citizen to 2 years 6 months jail on charges of sexual abuse of three underage girls. Ying Srang, a spokesman for the Siem Reap Provincial Court, says Rugh James Cline was convicted on Thursday over ‘indecent acts against minors under 15 years of age’. The court proceedings state he paid three underage girls…
Read More » - Economy News
Sit down, shut up and hang on – The Asian century is here
GRAPHIC: paragkhanna.com In the nineteenth century, the world was ‘Europeanised’. In the twentieth century, it was ‘Americanised’. This century it is all about being ‘Asianised’. With more than half of the world’s population, Asia has gone swiftly from low to middle-income status in a single generation. Today, its global share of trade grows quickly, along with capital, people, knowledge, transport,…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
First chamber of Chiang Rai’s Tham Luang Cave now open to visitors
The first chamber of the cave where twelve Thai footballers and their coach became trapped for seventeen days last year, is now open to visitors in Chiang Rai. The Chiang Rai Times reports that, along with the entrance to the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai being open, the first chamber and the Nang Non spirit house are also accessible…
Read More » - Environment News
Sea turtles saved at Phuket’s Naithon Beach
PHOTOS: Newshawk Phuket Two sea turtles have been saved at Naithon Beach on Phuket’s west coast. Today (November 2), at 8am, the Chief of Sirinath National Park, Nathawat Nuisiram, along with research officials, rescued two sea turtles at Naithon Beach. The team received a report from local villagers and headed to the beach to investigate the reports and check out…
Read More » - World News
ASEAN should use the power of its 650 million people – Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad
“The 94 year old Malaysian leader also discussed secrets behind his longevity.” 94 year old Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad says that the 10 ASEAN countries should find ways to better use their 650 million population to spur their economies in the digital age. “Despite its huge combined population, ASEAN has still failed to create an effective domestic market the way China…
Read More » - Phuket News
Top 10 must-see things to do in Phuket
Phuket is now a sophisticated tourist destination with so much to see and enjoy on just about any budget. Despite its reputation as a tropical paradise or the infamous Patong nightlife, there is a lot more to enjoy in Phuket these days. The popular Patong Beach is just a tiny proportion of the island’s landmass (about 80% the size of…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Vets claims con-man employee stole more than 3 million baht
PHOTO: INN News Two veterinarians who were robbed by a conman, who was also an employee, have filed a police report in Bangkok accusing him of stealing millions of baht, along with medication and a car. Thai Residents reports that the police report was filed by Sirilak Junjuem, known as Dr. Nam, owner of the Happy Vet Care Clinic, and…
Read More » - Politics News
Lecturer from Bangkok uni sues social media user for defamation
PHOTO: Chalita Bandhuwong, accused of “inciting rebellion” – The Nation A Facebook user, ‘Captain Songklot Chuenchoopol’, is being sued by a lecturer from Kasetsart University in Bangkok, who is accusing him of defamation. The Nation reports that Chalita Bandhuwong, from the university’s Social Sciences faculty, filed the suit yesterday after Songklot used Facebook to accuse her of trying to “provoke…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Early morning condo fire kills Norwegian in Pattaya
PHOTO: Chaiyot Pupattanapong A fire at a Pattaya condo has killed a 66 year old Norwegian national. The Pattaya News reports that the fire broke out early yesterday morning (Friday), with Pattaya City Police being notified at around 5am. Residents of the 16 storey condominium building were all evacuated as firefighters fought the blaze in a room on the 9th…
Read More » - Economy News
Thailand’s internet economy to hit 50 billion dollars by 2025
Google and Singaporean investment firm Temasek launched a research program into the internet economies of Southeast Asia In 2016 and continue tracking economies in the region. Their “E-Conomy SEA 2019” report shows that Southeast Asia’s internet economy reached 100 billion dollars for the first time this year, with 360 million people now linked to cyberspace – 100 million more than…
Read More » - World News
Traffickers exploit vulnerable Vietnamese
“Many young Vietnamese head for the cities or gamble on their chances in Europe, out of devotion to their families, to escape a life of manual labour.” For a lot of Vietnamese, a job in Western Europe is seen as a path to prosperity and worth breaking the law for. And risking their lives. The risks are high and the consequences…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Tourists warned about thieving monkeys in Khao Yai National Park
PHOTO: Monkeys coming to get your stuff. Khao Yai National Park – Flickr Officials at Khao Yai National Park, north east of Bangkok, are warning visitors to be aware of rogue monkeys that may steal their belongings. They say tourists who camp overnight need to be particularly vigilant, particularly when preparing food. Thai Residents reports that with the current cooler…
Read More » - Environment News
Bangkok will be underwater in 30 years says new study
Glug, glug, glug… An NGO that analyses and reports on climate science, says many cities, including Bangkok, will be under water in 30 years due to rising sea levels. The dramatic and frightening report from Climate Central says sea levels are expected to rise up to 2.1 metres or even more in this century, putting more than 300 million people…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Broadway in Bangkok…unplugged. Live theatre in BKK
Book now for the matinee or evening show on Saturday now (details below). ‘Broadway in Bangkok…unplugged’ is a unique and exciting night in Bangkok, featuring classic songs from hit Broadway musicals, performed by two fantastic musical superstars. Live theatre right here in the capital. If you missed Big Mango’s last amazing production in January, then here is your chance to see musical…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Songkhla business man claims he was forced to sign dodgy drug test
PHOTOS: Sanook.com A Songkhla businessman is claiming that he was forced to sign a document admitting to using illicit drugs. 38 year old Somchai owns a banana business and is a special professor at the Songkhla Rajabhat University, and qualified electrical contractor, according to Sanook. Somchai and his lawyer faced the media this week and presented documents from Ramathibodi Hospital…
Read More » - World News
Thai PM will negotiate the GSP issue with US officials during ASEAN Summit
Thailand will hold talks with US officials, about the GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) suspension for Thai exports to the US market, on the sidelines of the weekend’s ASEAN Summit, being held in Bangkok. Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says there are still six months in which to resolve the issues before the suspension of trade benefits for up to 500…
Read More » - Environment News
Russian 10 year old survives stings from box jellyfish on Koh Samui
PHOTOS: Khaosod English A ten year old boy has survived stings from a box jellyfish at Lamai Beach in Koh Samui. The box jellyfish is one of the most toxic creatures in the sea and is a real, if infrequent, danger floating around the Gulf of Thailand. It has the deadliest venoms of all marine invertebrates. The Russian boy was…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Insurgents detonate car-bomb and fire at a security outpost in Pattani
PHOTO: Thai PBS World Southern insurgents have damaged eight vehicles in front of an old police station in Mai Kaen district in Pattani after detonating a car bomb. The incident happened last night in Thailand’s southern border province of Pattani. A security outpost in Yarang district was also under fire from a different group of suspected insurgents last night as well.…
Read More » - Crime News
Man arrested in central Thailand after Chiang Mai millionaire’s body found in fridge
PHOTO: Na Naew A man has been now been arrested and charged with murder, after the body of 58 year old Wannee Jiracharoenying was found stuffed in a refrigerator in her home in the Jom Thong district of Chiang Mai. It’s reported that the woman’s body was found by her brother after he became concerned about her whereabouts. Her hands…
Read More » - World News
Philippines lifts restriction on rice imports from Thailand
PHOTO: VietnamPlus The Philippines has suspended a trial measure put in place to control imports of Thai rice following objections from Bangkok. The measure was initially put in place after the Philippine Department of Agriculture deemed existing regulations too lax. Rice imports had been under the control of the country’s National Food Authority until the government took over and attempted to…
Read More » - Business News
New land tax forces land owners to evaluate their options
PHOTO: SCMP The new Land and Property Tax, which takes effect in January 2020, will be a challenge for the Thai property market, according to the managing Director of CBRE Thailand. In an open report to the media, CBRE says owners of vacant sites will pay significant taxes once the new law comes into effect. Many will try to avoid the…
Read More » - Events
Bangkok’s Loy Krathong festival promotes the city’s waterways
Bangkok’s Loy Krathong festival on November 11 will emphasise the importance of the city’s waterways to traditional Thai culture. A government spokesman says a list of 30 public parks across the city, that will host events on the evening, is urging people to use only natural materials for their floating krathongs to avoid polluting streams and ponds. He is also…
Read More » - Thailand News
Child’s bruises spark suit against school
A 5 year old kindergarten student was ‘spanked’ as a punishment because “…she’s a slow learner and can’t answer questions,” according to her teacher. The girl responded to the teacher “I’m stupid, I have no brains, but I have a heart.” The incident took place in September but wasn’t shared until last month, with pictures showing bruises on the child’s…
Read More » - World News
Red shirts get four years for 2009 Pattaya protests
PHOTO: A decade ago when Red Shirts stormed the ASEAN Summit in Pattaya – Reuters Passionate remnants of the former red-shirt (pro-Thaksin Shinawatra) movement are considering their situation after this weeks’ handing down of a long sentence for some members’ involvement in protests at an ASEAN Summit a decade ago. Three former members of the United Front for Democracy Against…
Read More » - Economy News
Ministry considering third round of the Chim Shop Chai stimulus packages
Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak is praising the Chim Shop Chai (Eat Shop Spend) scheme and has told the Finance Ministry to consider launching a third round before the end of the year. In a policy speech, he defended the scheme, saying it’s neither wasteful nor a populist policy, fending off accusations by critics. He insists the program has been successful in…
Read More » - Phuket News
Tourist missing, presumed drowned, off Nai Thon Beach, Phuket
PHOTOS: Phuket Hotnews A 29 year old tourist is still missing after going swimming off Nai Thon Beach in northern Phuket on Wednesday night, (October 30). Local Saku police received a report about the tourist who disappeared whilst swimming off the southern end of Nai Thon Beach, in Thalang District, around 7pm. At the beach, police found distraught 29 year…
Read More » - Transport News
“Three year ban is too long” – Bangkok ‘win’ riders complain about new penalties
Win riders, Bangkok’s ubiquitous and slightly notorious motorcycle taxi drivers, are claiming that proposed penalties for riding on the sidewalk are too severe. Currently the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has laid down bans of up to three years for motorbike riders caught riding on the city’s pavements. But Win riders say losing their jackets for three years is unfair. The Bangkok…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Cyanide suspected in local herbal brew mixed with toad blood, killing 1 and injuring 12
A herbal concoction, containing alcohol, suspected cyanide and toad blood is being blamed after one man died and another dozen were injured. Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene last week, north of Pattaya, to find the body of 47 year Winai Promsri. It is believed that he had died after drinking the local ‘moonshine’ brew. Chonburi Hospital told…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Driver dies after car collides with a tree in Chon Buri
PHOTOS: Dragon Rescue Foundation A 23 year old driver died as a result of his vehicle colliding with a tree and catching fire in Mueang Chonburi this morning. Dragon Rescue Foundation was notified of the accident at 3:50am on the Wat Saman Road in Nong Kangkok, Chonburi, north of the Laem Chabang seaport. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to find…
Read More » - Expats
Thai Immigration Chief warns law-breaking foreigners “this is just the start”
PHOTOS: Naew Na The chief of Thai Immigration, Lieutenant General Sompong Chingduang, also known as ‘Big Oud’ (because the head of Immigration has to have a nickname starting with ‘big’ apparently), is warning foreigners breaking the law in the country that the latest crackdown “is just the beginning”. ThaiVisa reports that the immigration chief made his announcement at Immigration HQ…
Read More » - World News
Second bridge connecting Thailand and Myanmar opens
The second bridge connecting the Thai north-western province of Tak and Myanmar is now open. The bridge crosses the Moei river in the Mae Sot district of Tak and is expected to give Thai exports a significant boost, up from the current 78 billion baht a year to 100 billion. The second friendship bridge was opened by the Thai Transport…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Bar dancers in Pattaya claim boss owes them 400,000 baht
PHOTO: “Each dancer was promised a daily salary of 1,200 baht” – The Sun Bar girls, employed as go-go dancers in a bar on Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street, have filed a police report alleging their foreign boss has withheld 400,000 baht in unpaid wages. The Bangkok Post reports that around 30 girls allege they have not been paid since starting work…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Sand dunes exposed as water in Mekong River falls to critical level
PHOTO: AFP Sand dunes are now being exposed for the first time in a century along many sections of the Mekong River, as water levels fall to a new low milestone of 1.5 metres. Sand dunes can now be seen along many sections, causing problems for fishing vessels and cargo boats trying to travel along the river. The Bangkok Post…
Read More » - World News
‘Matmo’ will bring floods to upper and central Thailand
Thundershowers will bring rain to northern, lower-central and eastern Thailand, including the capital and its suburbs over the next few days, according to the Meteorological Department. The south will also see isolated heavy rains. The department is warning that a category 2 depression over the South China Sea has become a tropical storm, named Matmo (below). At 4am on October…
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