Month: May 2023
- Business News
Indian airline Go First granted bankruptcy protection amid repossession concerns
An Indian tribunal granted bankruptcy protection to Go Airlines (India) Ltd yesterday, a decision that may aid the country’s fourth-largest airline in its revival efforts but could also hinder foreign lessors’ attempts to reclaim their aircraft. The low-cost carrier recently rebranded as Go First, claimed that its financial crisis originated from “faulty” Pratt & Whitney engines, which grounded approximately half…
Read More » - Thailand News
Gecko caught on camera stealing Covid medication from homeowner’s wall, leading to lottery number inquiries
A homeowner in Rayong, Thailand, was recently surprised to find a large tokay gecko clinging to the wall and swinging a green medicine pouch, stirring up laughter and concern in the local community. This unusual incident was caught on video and was posted on social media by Nayika Silalarat, who then received numerous questions about the house number, as some…
Read More » - Crime News
Scammer couple sentenced to 12,000 years in prison each in Thailand
Thailand’s Criminal Court sentenced a Thai couple to 12,640 years in prison each yesterday after finding them guilty of operating a Ponzi scheme with damages amounting to billions of baht. The court ruled that Wantanee Tippaveth and her boyfriend Metee Chinpa committed 2,528 acts of fraud between March 9, 2019, and October 30, 2020. Wantanee and Metee convinced hundreds of…
Read More » - World News
China faces backlash over pressure on dissidents abroad but remains undeterred
China is currently facing a strong backlash from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, regarding its controversial efforts to pressure dissidents and their advocates abroad. Despite arrests, expulsions, and investigations taking place, Beijing remains persistent and undeterred in its actions. Isaac Stone Fish, founder and CEO of Strategy Risks, suggests that the increasingly assertive…
Read More » - World News
Deep concern over Myanmar violence dominates Asean Summit
Southeast Asian nations expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Myanmar, condemning a recent attack on a convoy of diplomats delivering humanitarian aid in the country. The crisis in Myanmar, which is under junta rule, has been a dominant topic of discussion at this week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia, as the regional bloc has…
Read More » - Thailand News
Move Forward Party leader faces scrutiny over media company shares ownership
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), is facing increased scrutiny over claims that he owns shares in a now-defunct media company. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) list-MP candidate, recently petitioned the Election Commission (EC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate Pita, who is also the party’s prime ministerial candidate. This follows Pita’s…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phuket motorcycle taxi rider fined for overcharging and threatening passenger
A motorcycle taxi rider in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket has been fined 2,500 baht after trying to overcharge and threaten a passenger. The incident was reported by 32 year old Wilaiwan Khormobklang to officers at Patong Police Station yesterday, May 10. The rider, identified as Prasertchai, operates on Rat Uthit 200 Years Road in Patong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket.…
Read More » - World News
Myanmar peace plan progress lacking, says Indonesia’s president
Despite having agreed to implement a peace plan with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) two years ago, Myanmar’s ruling military has made no significant progress, according to Indonesia’s president. Speaking on the second day of the ASEAN leaders’ meeting in Labuan Bajo, President Joko Widodo stressed the need for the bloc’s unity in deciding the next steps to…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand targets high-spending Middle Eastern tourists for tourism growth
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on attracting high-spending visitors from the Middle East in the latter half of this year, with the goal of utilising this market as a new tourism growth engine. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products and business, has stated that since Thailand re-established full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in early…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Stranded in paradise: Viral video shows 85 tourists trapped in water near Thai Cave
A video clip of 85 tourists waiting in the water near a cave in South Thailand after an issue with their boat has gone viral on social media. The video shows the tourists, who are all wearing life jackets, holding on to each other as they wait for their boat to return. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, May 6,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Election commission sets up cyber threat surveillance centre to ensure transparency
The Election Commission (EC) has established a Cyber Threat Surveillance and Response Operations Centre to ensure transparency in elections, according to EC Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee. This development comes in partnership with the National Cyber Security Agency, Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the Bureau of Registration Administration, and National Telecom Public Co Ltd. Sawaeng, aged…
Read More » - Business News
Growing global demand for gold amid banking sector turmoil and geopolitical tensions
The global demand for gold from investors is witnessing an increase due to instability in the banking sector, geopolitical tensions, and a challenging economic environment, prompting individuals to turn to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). The WGC’s most recent Gold Demand Trend report revealed that demand for gold bars and coins…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Swarm of giant honey bees cause chaos at Thailand airport
A swarm of giant honey bees caused quite the buzz at Khon Kaen Airport in northeast Thailand yesterday, causing delays to two flights and stinging six members of ground staff who all required hospitalisation. As soon as Thai AirAsia flight FD3260 from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport landed on the runway at Khon Kaen Airport yesterday, a colony of giant honey…
Read More » - Thailand News
Nine arrested after violent confrontation at Bangkok police station over detained teen
Nine individuals found themselves under arrest following a brutal clash outside a police station in Bangkok involving law enforcement and a group supporting a 15-year-old girl detained for over 40 days on allegations of royal defamation. The arrestees, comprising seven men and two women, included Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong. Earlier this year, the two individuals had engaged…
Read More » - Thailand News
Mixed responses to calls for ending compulsory military service in Thailand
Academics and human rights defenders have provided mixed responses to the increasing calls to end compulsory military service in Thailand, intensifying as the May 14 polls approach. The Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party have both pledged they will terminate compulsory service in favor of voluntary enlistment if they win the elections and form the next government. These…
Read More » - Thailand News
Woman seeks help from restaurant owner as man threatens her with violence and gun
A woman in distress sought help from a food vendor, who drove away a threatening man, earning praise from social media users. The incident took place in Hat Yai city’s food court when a terrified woman entered a restaurant to ask for help, followed by a man on a motorcycle. The man verbally abused the woman and threatened to hit…
Read More » - Business News
Thai food exports forecast to grow despite challenges
Despite economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, foreign exchange fluctuations, and rising production costs, Thai food exports are predicted to grow by 2.1% to 1.5 trillion baht this year. The main factors supporting this outlook include the government’s policies to stimulate economic growth, the country’s reopening after the pandemic, global supply chain shortages, increased concerns about food safety, and the high-quality standards…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok governor plans more water pumps to prevent flooding as thunderstorms forecast
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced plans to install additional water pumps throughout the city to prevent flooding, as weather experts predict thunderstorms will hit the capital this week. The 56 year old city chief visited the Prawet Burirom Canal in the Prawet district and inspected the drainage system at the nearby Muang Thong Garden Village on Tuesday. The Bangkok governor…
Read More » - Thailand News
Wild elephant tramples woman to death in front of officials, shooting two magazines fails to stop the attack
In a devastating incident, a woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant in front of wildlife officials in Wang Chan District, Rayong. Even after firing two magazines of bullets, the authorities could not stop the charging animal, which was extremely fast and caught everyone off-guard. The tragic event occurred at a palm plantation in the district, where 40…
Read More » - Business News
Truemoney partners with Mastercard and Google for contactless payment expansion
TrueMoney, a prominent e-payment and financial service provider, has collaborated with Mastercard and Google to facilitate the integration of TrueMoney Mastercard virtual prepaid cards, formerly referred to as WeCard, into Google Wallet. This development enables Google Wallet users to utilise TrueMoney Mastercard for contactless payment through the Google Pay platform. Apinand Dabpetch, head of TrueMoney’s growth and wallet platform, explained…
Read More » - Business News
Marriott upbeat about Thailand’s labour crunch in tourism sector
Marriott International remains optimistic about Thailand’s labour situation in the tourism sector, as employment at its properties across the country has nearly returned to its 2019 levels. The company hopes that the incoming government will prioritise the development of connectivity to secondary cities in order to enhance the country’s competitive edge. Jakob Helgen, Area Vice-President for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai political fault line: Divided opinions on royal defamation law ahead of election
As Thailand’s general election approaches this Sunday, a series of TikTok videos featuring prime ministerial candidates answering questions about controversial topics has gone viral. The topics raised during the electoral campaign include the legalization of e-cigarettes, local alcohol industry deregulation, sex work decriminalization, and amending the country’s strict royal defamation law. The royal defamation law, known as Section 112 of…
Read More » - Business News
Bangchak Group monitors energy prices amid global recession concerns
Energy giant Bangchak Group of Thailand is keeping a close eye on energy prices for the second quarter of this year, amid concerns of an impending global recession. The company reported a 16% increase in revenue in the first quarter. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, the group CEO and president of Bangchak Corporation Plc, expressed that crude oil prices are likely to remain…
Read More » - World News
Fumio Kishida’s unexpected political comeback in Japan
It seems that remembering the name of Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may be worth it after all, despite the nation’s rapid turnover of leaders. Kishida’s premiership began positively in late 2021 but faced challenges when ties between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church became a focal point in the media after the killing of former leader…
Read More » - Business News
CIMB Thai Bank targets 500 million baht in digital personal loans focusing on upper-income segment
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) has announced intentions to expand its digital personal loan offerings in the current year, aiming for a total of 500 million baht whilst primarily focusing on the upper-income segment. Recently, CIMBT introduced two digital personal loan products – the “Personal Cash” instalment loan and the “Extra Cash” credit line. These products have a combined value of…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Food vendors rescue abandoned 8 month old baby boy in Chon Buri province
In a heartwarming act of kindness, a group of food vendors in Chon Buri province rescued an abandoned eight month old baby boy near a police booth. The baby is now under the care of the Department of Children and Youth. According to a report by Channel 7, the vendors bathed and fed the infant before contacting the police. One…
Read More » - Business News
Inspecting Toyota factory in Chachoengsao to assure car buyers of safety standards
Inspectors are set to visit the Toyota factory in Chachoengsao this week to ensure vehicle safety standards are met by the leading Japanese car manufacturer. This decision follows discussions on May 9 between the permanent secretary for industry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, and Akio Toyoda, the board chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, concerning the safety test results for the eco-car Yaris Ativ.…
Read More » - Business News
Saha Group unit invests 6 billion baht in KingBridge Tower project
KingBridge Tower Co, a subsidiary of Saha Group, has invested six billion baht in the construction of KingBridge Tower, with a focus on offering office space rentals. Situated alongside Bhumibol Bridge and Rama III Road, the tower has been chosen as a demonstration project for energy and environmental conservation by the Circular Economy in Construction Industry group. The project utilises…
Read More » - World News
US prepares for migrant surge as Mexico border restrictions set to end
Tens of thousands of US law enforcement personnel have been deployed to the border with Mexico, according to officials, as waiting migrants voiced confusion and anger over an impending change to entry rules. The United States is preparing for a surge in people claiming refuge from political persecution, climate-related disasters, and poverty when pandemic-era restrictions expire overnight later this week.…
Read More » - World News
Inter Milan triumph in Champions League last-four derby against AC Milan
Inter Milan is well on their way to the Champions League final after a superb 2-0 victory against AC Milan in last night’s pulsating last-four derby at the San Siro. Ahead of Tuesday’s second leg, Inter has taken control of the most significant Milan derby in years, thanks to goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the opening 11…
Read More » - Business News
Taiwan’s offshore wind farms amid China tensions and geopolitical risks
In the port city of Taichung on Taiwan‘s west coast, a crane hoists into place the final section of a white wind turbine tower that stands almost a hundred metres tall. This turbine will be one of 111 spinning at a multi-billion US dollar offshore wind project up to 60km into the Taiwan Strait. Constructed by Denmark’s Orsted, this project…
Read More » - World News
Ukrainian journalist’s hedgehog rescue offers light amidst the devastation of war
Amid the devastation in Ukraine covered by AFP journalist Arman Soldin, 32 years old, one moment stands out as a touching act of kindness in the face of war—the rescue of a wounded hedgehog. Unfortunately, Soldin lost his life to rocket fire just days after sharing the heartwarming story on Twitter. The thread documents the journey of nursing the hedgehog…
Read More » - World News
French PM Elisabeth Borne seeks removal of biography passages on her private life
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, aged 62, has filed a lawsuit demanding the removal of certain sections of a recently published biography, claiming that they breached her privacy. The biography was written by journalist Berengere Bonte and released by the Archipel publishing house. The legal complaint, brought before a court in Nanterre near Paris, identifies passages concerning Borne’s health, sexual…
Read More » - World News
Fighting intensifies in Khartoum as Sudanese struggle with shortages
The Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and the city of El Obeid, located 350 kilometres southwest, are witnessing ongoing violent clashes, forcing many locals to flee their homes and face dangerous journeys across the country’s borders. For those unable to leave, food and essential supply shortages have become a pressing problem, with people relying on local charity networks and neighbours for survival.…
Read More » - World News
Tributes pour in for AFP journalist killed in Ukraine
Grief and condolences have been flooding in following the tragic death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin, who was killed while covering the conflict in Ukraine – Europe’s deadliest since World War II. Soldin’s death occurred when the AFP team he was with came under fire by Grad rockets while accompanying a group of Ukrainian soldiers near Bakhmut, which has remained…
Read More » - Business News
Activists throw cake at Volkswagen bosses during annual shareholder meeting in Berlin
Berlin was the setting for protests at Volkswagen’s annual shareholders’ meeting yesterday, as demonstrators voiced their concerns over human rights and climate change issues. Europe’s largest car manufacturer faced pressure from climate protesters gathered outside the event venue, urging the company to take steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Activists from the group Scientist Rebellion displayed a message stating… “The…
Read More » - Business News
Exploring the possibility of a new departure tax in Thailand
As the general election approaches, the introduction of a new tax is considered an extremely sensitive issue and a rare political tactic. Despite this, the Revenue Department moved forward last week to address concerns regarding a potential new departure tax on outbound travellers, based on a 40-year-old “emergency decree”. The department confirmed it has no plans to introduce a departure…
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