Month: May 2023

  • Tourism News‘Blue Lagoon’ promoted as tourist attraction in Khon Kaen, Thailand

    ‘Blue Lagoon’ promoted as tourist attraction in Khon Kaen, Thailand

    An abandoned limestone quarry-turned-reservoir dubbed the “Blue Lagoon” is being promoted as a tourist attraction in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand. Locals said that water seeped into the abandoned old quarry site until it turned into a beautiful reservoir, attracting tourists wanting to catch a glimpse of the emerald water glistening under the sun. INN News describes the Blue Lagoon as…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsThai foreign investment outlook positive amid political shift

    Thai foreign investment outlook positive amid political shift

    The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and prominent business leaders expressed optimism about foreign investment in the country this year, despite delays due to the formation of a new government. IEAT Governor Veeris Ammarapala stated that foreign investors are expected to understand the evolving political landscape in Thailand, including the transition towards a Move Forward Party-led coalition government. At a…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsThepprasit Road upgrade aims to reduce accidents, accommodate underground cables

    Thepprasit Road upgrade aims to reduce accidents, accommodate underground cables

    In Pattaya, the construction of traffic islands on Thepprasit Road has sparked concerns among residents and business owners. Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches reported he addressed these concerns, explaining that the traffic islands are part of a project to upgrade the road and its surrounding areas to accommodate future underground electrical cables, thus avoiding the need for re-excavation. Mayor Poramese…

    Read More »
  • HealthTake control of your health with genetic testing at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Thailand

    Take control of your health with genetic testing at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Thailand

    Our genes make us who we are, but did you know they can also provide invaluable insights into our health history? Yep, by getting a gene testing service at the Preventive Genomics and Integrative Medicine Center of Bumrungrad International Hospital, we can gain a deeper understanding of our health and risk for illnesses. This remarkable advancement in medicine truly takes…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsThailand boosts safety measures to attract 5 million Chinese tourists

    Thailand boosts safety measures to attract 5 million Chinese tourists

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Tourist Police Bureau are focusing on enhancing safety measures for travellers as the number of Chinese tourists to the country reaches 1 million. TAT aims to attract five million Chinese tourists this year, with around 70% expected to be independent travellers with high purchasing power. However, there are challenges, such as a…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket Hotels Association launches online travel sale to back local talent

    Phuket Hotels Association launches online travel sale to back local talent

    Press Release Phuket Hotels Association, the nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image of Phuket, is inviting members of the public to take part in its “Absolutely Fabulous Online Travel Sale” – an online auction with great prizes that will fund scholarships for talented young people in Phuket. This forms part of the Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) 2023…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsThailand investment value surges 77% with South Korea as top foreign investor

    Thailand investment value surges 77% with South Korea as top foreign investor

    Investment in Thailand experienced a significant surge in the first quarter of the year, with a 77% year-on-year increase to 185.7 billion baht, primarily driven by 397 project proposals. The Board of Investment (BoI) revealed that South Korea emerged as the leading foreign investor during this period. Foreign investment constituted 155.2 billion baht of the total investment, marking a 115%…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsThailand’s soaring household debt risks economic slowdown, warns NESDC

    Thailand’s soaring household debt risks economic slowdown, warns NESDC

    The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) issued a warning concerning Thailand’s mounting household debt, stating that it could become a significant issue if the economy and employment rates decline. NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan emphasised the need for debt restructuring alongside financial and fiscal discipline at both individual and corporate levels. During a press conference discussing the economic outlook…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsTikTok user shares June’s winning Thai lottery numbers (video)

    TikTok user shares June’s winning Thai lottery numbers (video)

    A search for potential winning lottery numbers is underway as the Thai government lottery draw date of Thursday, June 1 approaches. Gamblers and lottery enthusiasts are actively sharing their predictions, including those on the popular social media platform TikTok. One user, @owansqjw0dk, whose real name is Jindarat, gained attention by posting a clip on their account claiming to have found…

    Read More »
  • World News19 children dead in Guyana school fire, arson suspected

    19 children dead in Guyana school fire, arson suspected

    A fire in the central Guyana mining town of Mahdia claimed the lives of at least 19 children, according to officials. The blaze erupted just after midnight on Monday, engulfing a secondary school dormitory and trapping students inside. Emergency services are facing difficulties in containing the fire due to adverse weather conditions, as stated by the government. Early investigations by the…

    Read More »
  • Crime NewsThai restaurant in California forced to close amid racist dog meat rumours

    Thai restaurant in California forced to close amid racist dog meat rumours

    The Tasty Thai restaurant in Fresno, California, was forced to temporarily close its doors after racist rumours spread online that the owners were selling dog meat. Seemingly out of nowhere, a string of negative and nasty reviews about Tasty Thai, a six month old restaurant, popped up on Yelp on Monday night. But the reviews were not about the food. “It…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsThai Oil predicts equal oil demand and supply, boosted by Asian refineries

    Thai Oil predicts equal oil demand and supply, boosted by Asian refineries

    Thai Oil Plc (TOP), a subsidiary of the PTT Plc conglomerate, anticipates a more favourable outlook for oil trading in 2023, with global oil demand and supply projected to be nearly balanced. Crude oil demand is predicted to reach 101 million barrels per day (MBD), a 1.6 MBD increase from 2022, while supply is expected to be 101.3 MBD, a…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsIllegal logging gang caught in Thai wildlife reserve, drugs found

    Illegal logging gang caught in Thai wildlife reserve, drugs found

    Authorities in Phayao, northern Thailand, yesterday arrested a group involved in illegal logging and seized various items, including processed timber and amphetamines. The suspects were apprehended in the Wiang Lor Wildlife Sanctuary in the province’s Choon district. Officials from the 15th Conservation Area Administration Office received a report from Thanatphatcha PrasomSap, the director of the wildlife conservation section, on the…

    Read More »
  • World NewsOfficer suspended after Tasering 95 year old woman in Australian care home

    Officer suspended after Tasering 95 year old woman in Australian care home

    A 95 year old woman with dementia was critically injured after being Tasered by a police officer at a care home in Australia. The officer, a 33 year old senior constable, has been suspended with pay as an investigation into the incident continues. Clare Nowland is currently receiving end-of-life care in a hospital, and the police response has been widely…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsDyson aims to double product range, expand beyond home innovations by 2025

    Dyson aims to double product range, expand beyond home innovations by 2025

    Dyson, renowned for its innovative household appliances, has been focusing on making everyday tasks more efficient and convenient for users. The development of such cutting-edge products often takes years and numerous prototypes, with Dyson’s bagless vacuum cleaner taking over five years and 5,127 prototypes to perfect. The company’s entrance into the beauty market with its hair dryer involved four years…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsUS declines Thai F-35 bid, offers F-16 and F-15 jets instead

    US declines Thai F-35 bid, offers F-16 and F-15 jets instead

    The United States Department of Defense has informally declined Thailand’s request to buy F-35 fighter jets, according to a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) source. Instead, the US has offered F-16 Block 70 and F-15 E Strike Eagle fighter jets as alternatives. The Pentagon’s decision was announced by Robert F Gordec, the US ambassador to Thailand, during a meeting with…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsLifeless body of three year old girl found near grazing field in southern Thailand

    Lifeless body of three year old girl found near grazing field in southern Thailand

    The body of a three year old girl was discovered in a waterlogged area close to an animal grazing field in Narathiwat province, in southern Thailand. The child mysteriously disappeared from her home, which was approximately 300 metres away from where her body was found. Police Colonel Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy Police Chief, visited the scene of the crime…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsSeven arrested for smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand for potential call centre scams

    Seven arrested for smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand for potential call centre scams

    Seven Thai individuals have been detained for their alleged involvement in smuggling Chinese nationals from Laos into Thailand. Authorities are investigating whether these cases have any connection to call centre gangs. The series of arrests were disclosed in a press briefing held yesterday by Provincial Police Region 3 Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Somprasong Yenthuan, which involved Highway Police, Immigration Police,…

    Read More »
  • World NewsTikTok sues Montana over unconstitutional app ban violating free speech rights

    TikTok sues Montana over unconstitutional app ban violating free speech rights

    TikTok has filed a lawsuit in a US federal court to prevent the state of Montana from implementing a ban on the video-sharing app, claiming the move violates the right to free speech. Set to commence in 2024, the ban was signed into law by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on May 17, who cited the protection of Montanans’ personal and…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsLongtail boat capsizes in Thailand, 5 foreign tourists rescued from sea

    Longtail boat capsizes in Thailand, 5 foreign tourists rescued from sea

    A longtail boat capsized near Panyi Island in Phang Nga province in southern Thailand yesterday. Seven people, including five foreign tourists, were rescued from the sea. Two Irish nationals, one Swiss national, two Filipino nationals, one Thai guide, and one Thai boat driver were left floating yesterday afternoon when their longtail boat sank inside Phang Nga Bay National Park, reports…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsPhilanthropist injured in multi-vehicle road accident in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Philanthropist injured in multi-vehicle road accident in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    A local philanthropist was badly injured when a truck crashed into the back of a pickup, spinning it into another lorry, causing harm to the driver. Passers-by came to assist the injured man trapped inside the damaged Toyota pickup with registration plate number บว-1721 Nakhon Si Thammarat, which was left immobilised in the middle of the road. The injured man…

    Read More »
  • World NewsSingapore firms eye Central Asia’s growing consumer market for expansion

    Singapore firms eye Central Asia’s growing consumer market for expansion

    Central Asia, a region known for its landlocked countries, may not be the most obvious choice for Singaporean businesses looking to expand their horizons. However, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) believes that the area’s growing consumer market and young population can offer early-mover advantages for companies, particularly in sectors such as urban infrastructure, technology, and innovative consumer products. Despite Central Asia’s strategic…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket speedboat driver tests positive for meth after crash injuring 37 tourists

    Phuket speedboat driver tests positive for meth after crash injuring 37 tourists

    UPDATE The man who crashed a speedboat into a channel marker in Chalong Bay in Phuket, southern Thailand – injuring 37 Thai and foreign tourists – on Wednesday tested positive for methamphetamine. The 29 year old tour boat driver, Sathit Mardchai, underwent a blood test for alcohol and drugs following the incident, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police Pol. Maj. Gen.…

    Read More »
  • World NewsTragedy in rocklin: Man killed while rescuing ducks, teen driver involved

    Tragedy in rocklin: Man killed while rescuing ducks, teen driver involved

    A tragic incident occurred in Rocklin, California, when a 41 year old man was fatally struck by a car driven by a teenager while attempting to help a family of ducks cross the road. The accident took place approximately 25 miles northeast of Sacramento. According to witnesses, Casey Rivara had ensured the ducks reached safety before the collision occurred. No…

    Read More »
  • World NewsChinese researchers discover evidence of ancient ocean on Mars

    Chinese researchers discover evidence of ancient ocean on Mars

    Chinese researchers have uncovered direct evidence of an ancient ocean on Mars’s northern plains, according to a team from the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan. The discovery, recently published in the journal National Science Review, has the potential to further solidify our understanding of the Red Planet’s geological history. Led by Xiao Long, a professor at the China University of…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsChon Buri woman discovers priceless pearl in local market oyster

    Chon Buri woman discovers priceless pearl in local market oyster

    A lucky woman in Chon Buri found a valuable pearl inside a large oyster purchased from a local market. The resident, Thevalee Sitonwong, discovered the stunning orange pearl while preparing a meal for her and her husband. Thevalee revealed that she and her husband had gone to the market to buy some ingredients for their dinner, which included a popular Thai…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsPregnant woman given wrong medication at hospital, experiences uncontrollable spasms

    Pregnant woman given wrong medication at hospital, experiences uncontrollable spasms

    In an alarming incident, an expectant mother was administered the wrong medication during her visit to a medical facility. The 37 week pregnant woman went to the hospital for a regular blood test and was mistakenly given epileptic medication instead of sugar water. After taking the medicine, the pregnant woman experienced severe symptoms, sparking a wave of fear and concern…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsRoof collapses at school in Thailand during storm, 7 killed

    Roof collapses at school in Thailand during storm, 7 killed

    Seven people, including four children, died after a roof at a school in Pichit province, northern Thailand, collapsed during a storm yesterday. Eighteen more people are injured. Students at Wat Nern Por primary school in Sam Ngam district were playing football after school when the storm hit at around 6pm. Students, parents, and teachers were sheltering beneath the domed roof…

    Read More »
  • World NewsBiden, McCarthy in debt ceiling talks as US default risk looms

    Biden, McCarthy in debt ceiling talks as US default risk looms

    US President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met at the White House yesterday to discuss raising the US government’s US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling, with the US economy at risk if no agreement is reached within 10 days. The Democratic president and the top congressional Republican have struggled to make progress on a deal, as McCarthy pressures the White…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsDemocrats to elect new leader amid Abhisit and Watanya speculation

    Democrats to elect new leader amid Abhisit and Watanya speculation

    The Democrat Party is set to meet and establish guidelines for selecting a new leader, with Abhisit Vejjajiva and Watanya Bunnag, head of the party’s political innovations working group, being the potential candidates. Yesterday, party spokesperson Ramet Rattanachaweng announced that the caretaker executive panel would convene tomorrow to outline the process for choosing a new leader and appointing a new…

    Read More »
  • PropertyHot properties for retirement in Chiang Mai

    Hot properties for retirement in Chiang Mai

    Retirement is often heralded as a new and exciting chapter in life, and we couldn’t agree more. With all those years of hard work tucked under your belt, it’s about time you kick back, relax, and enjoy the spoils of your journey. And what better place to enjoy your golden years than in the oh-so-charming Chiang Mai, Thailand? With its…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsMuch-loved Thai police officer suddenly dies, hormone disorder blamed for 218kg weight

    Much-loved Thai police officer suddenly dies, hormone disorder blamed for 218kg weight

    The unexpected passing of Manop Wongnaree, affectionally known as “Police Senior Sergeant Major Elephant” has left his family, friends and colleagues mourning. The 50 year old was a police officer with a body weight of 218 kilograms. He gained international attention when photos of him were shared online, accompanied by comments ridiculing his excessive weight. Assistant Police Captain Pichetpong Chaengkaikom…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsCannabis shops near schools allowed amid lack of specific law

    Cannabis shops near schools allowed amid lack of specific law

    Cannabis dispensaries are currently allowed to operate near schools in Thailand, as there is no specific legislation controlling their locations, according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM). However, the Public Health Ministry has prohibited the sale of cannabis to individuals under 20 years old, with penalties including a one-year prison sentence, a fine of up to…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsEU regulators apply old laws to control AI as new rules take years to enforce

    EU regulators apply old laws to control AI as new rules take years to enforce

    The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) services like ChatGPT has led regulators to rely on existing laws to control a technology that could transform societies and businesses. The European Union is working on new AI rules to address privacy and safety concerns associated with generative AI technology, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, it will take several years for the…

    Read More »
  • Politics NewsChina bans US Micron chips, escalating global chip industry risks

    China bans US Micron chips, escalating global chip industry risks

    China’s recent ban on certain sectors using chips from United States-based Micron Technology has highlighted the potential risks faced by the global chip industry amidst rising Sino-US trade tensions. The move against Micron, the largest US memory chipmaker, is widely perceived as retaliation for Washington’s attempts to limit Beijing’s access to crucial technology. This comes as the Group of Seven…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsLop Buri monkeys suffer heatwave, locals urge support

    Lop Buri monkeys suffer heatwave, locals urge support

    Concerned residents are urging government agencies to provide support to monkeys residing in Lop Buri province landmarks, the Phra Kan Shrine and Phra Prang Sam Yot, after a scorching heatwave restricted the movements of its monkeys. Lop Buri finds itself in the grip of an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching a scorching 41 degrees Celsius. Residents are concerned because the…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsFarmer in Thailand puts buffalo up for sale for US.5 million

    Farmer in Thailand puts buffalo up for sale for US$1.5 million

    A farmer in Thailand put a giant water buffalo up for sale for 50 million baht (US$1.45 million) yesterday. Forget a pool villa in Phuket, for the same price you could bag yourself one of the biggest buffaloes Thailand has ever seen. “Petch Lamkhong,” a three year and five month old water buffalo (“kwai“) from “Big Ice Farm” in Phitsanulok, weighed…

    Read More »