Month: May 2023

  • Economy News

    Thai exports decline for seventh month as global demand slows

    The Thai Ministry of Commerce has reported a decline in the nation’s export value for the seventh consecutive month. In April, the value dropped by 7.6% compared to the previous year, a significantly larger decrease than the 2% fall anticipated by economists. April’s exports were valued at US$21.72 billion, a notable decrease from March’s 12-month high of US$27.65 billion. Despite…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Woman rescued after lying naked in roadside forest

    A 36 year old woman sought police help after she discovered herself lying naked in a roadside forest along Sri Waree Noi Road in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. The police suspect she was violated by a couple of friends who she spent time with the previous night. At about 9am today, a member of the Bang Plee Rescue Team accompanied…

    Read More »
  • World News

    Taiwanese couple gropes on motorbike at traffic lights sparks outrage

    A Taiwanese man has been accused of inappropriately touching a woman as they both rode a motorcycle whilst waiting at a traffic light. The pair’s acts have drawn widespread criticism online after a video clip of the incident went viral. A short video has emerged online in Taiwan, sparking outrage and criticism. The footage, posted on the Taiwanese website Nextapple,…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    A bug’s life: Century-old temple overrun by termites attracts lottery enthusiasts in search of lucky signs

    A century-old temple in Phetchabun province, Thailand, has termites almost completely covering its ancient Buddha statues. News of this brought lottery enthusiasts dashing to the temple in search of lucky signs. Locals and temple committee members opened the ancient chapel at Noen MaKha Noi Temple in preparation for its renovation, yesterday, May 29. Upon entering, they witnessed large termites covering…

    Read More »
  • Business News

    Bank of Japan to maintain ultra-loose policy, downplays change expectations

    The Bank of Japan’s Governor, Kazuo Ueda, has stated that the central bank will continue to maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy, as there remains a significant gap to achieve the 2% inflation target sustainably. Ueda’s comments downplay the expectations of a policy change in the near future. He told parliament, “We expect inflation to quite clearly slow below 2% toward…

    Read More »
  • Food

    Jan Lorenzen named new Director of Food and Beverage at Angsana Laguna Phuket

    Press Release Angsana Laguna Phuket is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan Lorenzen as Director of Food and Beverage. He brings to the resort over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, including recently as the Cluster Director, Food and Beverage at ONYX Hospitality. Jan began his career at The Landmark Hotel, London, working to become Director of…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    11 year old girl left distraught after hair raising buzz cut drama

    An 11 year old girl was left distressed after a hairdresser mistakenly cut her hair into a short buzz style meant for boys in Pangmakha, Kamphaengphet province. Despite her grandmother’s explicit request for a “student’s haircut,” the stylist ignored their objections and continued cutting her hair. The girl’s mother turned to a Facebook group, “Free Legal Advice Forum” to seek…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Brawl erupts between foreigners and Thai driver on road in Phuket (video)

    A Thai minibus driver filed a complaint at Chalong Police Station yesterday after some foreigners broke two side view mirrors of his vehicle during a dispute on the road in Phuket. The Thai minibus driver, Monnaphan Makaraphan, told police that he was involved in a dispute with the foreign drivers and passengers of a red Toyota Yaris hatchback. He admitted…

    Read More »
  • World News

    Mexican woman jailed for killing rapist sparks nationwide protests

    Outcry in Mexico as woman jailed for self-defence killing – Protests are erupting across Mexico after 21 year old Roxana Santiago was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for killing a man who had raped her. People are rallying for justice, believing the young woman acted in self-defence during a horrific attack. “Defending my life is not…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Teacher slaps student for chatting in class, unable to solve problem

    A Thai secondary school teacher has come under criticism after slapping a 7th grade student for talking to a classmate during a lesson and failing to solve a problem on the board. A video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the school and teacher to apologise. The incident took place at a school in Ubon Ratchathani province,…

    Read More »
  • Business News

    Thailand’s NRCT and Chulalongkorn University launch anti-corruption knowledge hub

    The Knowledge Hub for Regional Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Collaboration (KRAC) has been established in Thailand through a partnership between the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Chulalongkorn University‘s Faculty of Economics. KRAC’s main objective is to develop an anti-corruption ecosystem in the country by applying academic knowledge and fostering international cooperation networks. Asst. Prof. Dr. Torplus Yomnak, director…

    Read More »
  • World News

    Typhoon Mawar lashes Taiwan’s coast, heads towards southern Japan

    Typhoon Mawar battered Taiwan’s eastern coast with strong winds, heavy rains, and large waves today, causing residents in the fishing town of Yilan to secure their boats and homes. Despite losing some of its strength since hitting Guam last week, the slow-moving typhoon remained dangerous with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 190…

    Read More »
  • World News

    Teen fights off crocodile while fishing with siblings in Australia

    A 19 year old teenager in Northern Australia has had a miraculous escape after being dragged underwater by a giant crocodile while out fishing with his relatives on Groote Eylandt. Despite his terrifying experience, Zefha Butcher managed to survive the harrowing encounter with only minor injuries. Zefha had been fishing along with his 10 year old brother and another relative…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Man arrested for shooting transwoman girlfriend at Bangkok condo

    Police arrested a Thai man at a condominium in Bangkok after he shot his transwoman girlfriend in the neck. The victim survived the attack, although she remains in critical condition. Officers from Din Deang Police Station rushed to the condominium on Pracha Songkhro Road in the Din Daeng district of Bangkok after being notified about the shooting in the early…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Three students flee school, report older pupil abuse, spark local police search

    Three primary school students in Udon Thani province fled their school premises after being physically abused by older students. They were found on the outskirts of a nearby village and later returned to the school, accompanied by their guardians and teachers. Yesterday, Veeraphol Raksameuwong, admin of the page “Ban Dung Update,” reported that officers from the Fao Rai Patrol Police…

    Read More »
  • Business News

    Asia-Pacific consumers to boost health and wellness spending post-pandemic

    A recent survey reveals that approximately 70% of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are prepared to increase their expenditure on health and wellness products, as the pandemic has heightened health consciousness. The study called the Asia-Pacific Health Priority Survey, was carried out by US supplement distributor Herbalife and highlighted a particularly strong interest in health improvement in Southeast Asia, specifically…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya News

    Chinese driver injures three in Pattaya road accident, faces charges

    A road accident in Pattaya resulted in injuries to three Thai nationals, including a 74 year old woman, after a Chinese woman’s car collided with their vehicles. The incident occurred yesterday, May 30, on Sukhumvit Road, inbound to Sattahip in Chonburi province. Na Jomtien Police and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were promptly dispatched to the scene…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya News

    Teenager dies in Pattaya motorbike accident amid rainy conditions

    A teenage motorcyclist tragically lost his life in an accident while driving home during rainfall in the early hours of this morning. Pattaya Police were alerted to the incident at 2.20am today and promptly arrived at Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung District, Chon Buri province, to attend to the victim. Upon reaching the scene, authorities discovered a damaged red…

    Read More »
  • Sponsored

    Puff Puff: An artful cannabis dispensary taking Phuket by storm

    Phuket Walking Street, a lively stretch of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues, now boasts a one-of-a-kind addition: Puff Puff, a cannabis dispensary that goes above and beyond the conventional marijuana retail experience. Puff Puff combines high-quality cannabis, art, and music to create a memorable, immersive lifestyle brand experience, attracting locals and tourists alike. A fusion of art, music, and cannabis…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Jackpot winner strikes gold with 19 lottery tickets after visit to Tiger Shrine

    A lucky Thai man scooped a 114 million baht jackpot after buying 19 digital lottery tickets, following a visit to the renowned Tiger Shrine on the shrine’s opening day. He later returned to perform a ritual with his family, seeking blessings and good fortune. The Thanakhan Phoem Bun Foundation, a major philanthropic organisation managing the Tiger Shrine, shared photographs and…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Tragic discovery: Father finds son’s body in septic tank

    In a heartbreaking turn of events, a father discovered the lifeless body of his nine year old in the septic tank of a house in Nong Bua Lamphu province, in the northeastern region of Thailand. The boy’s uncle confessed to the murder, saying the boy annoyed him. Thaworn, the grieving father, disclosed to Channel 8 that his son, Jay, had…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Student denied college interview over methamphetamine vindicated by second test

    The 19 year old student from Khon Kaen who was initially deemed ineligible for a college interview test due to a positive methamphetamine test has now been cleared after a second test came back negative. The family plans to submit the blood test results to Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Pharmacy to confirm her eligibility for the interview test. Last week, Anama…

    Read More »
  • Phuket News

    Alcohol ban in Thailand on June 3 for Visakha Bucha and royal visit

    A nationwide alcohol ban will be enforced in Thailand this Saturday, June 3, in observance of the Buddhist holiday Visakha Bucha. The ban coincides with a royal visit to Phuket by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, celebrating Her Majesty’s birthday. Visakha Bucha commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Prince Siddhartha, which all occurred on the same date,…

    Read More »
  • Politics News

    China snubs US invitation for defence meeting in Singapore

    China rejected a US proposal for a meeting in Singapore between Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, according to the Pentagon. The refusal to engage in military-to-military discussions raised concerns but the US Department of Defence remains committed to pursuing open lines of communication with the People’s Liberation Army. Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said……

    Read More »
  • World News

    Ex-Chinese CDC head: Don’t rule out Covid lab leak theory

    The possibility of the Covid virus leaking from a laboratory should not be dismissed, according to a former leading Chinese government scientist. Prof George Gao, who was once the head of China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC), played a crucial role in the pandemic response and efforts to trace its origins. While the Chinese government denies any suggestion that the…

    Read More »
  • World News

    Kyiv targeted for third night as Ukraine intercepts 20+ drones

    Kyiv was subjected to a third consecutive night of attacks as Russia targeted the Ukrainian capital, resulting in several buildings being set ablaze. Officials reported that falling debris caused the fires, while Ukraine’s air defences intercepted over 20 drones. At least one fatality has been reported. Ukraine claims to have downed all missiles and drones in the previous two assaults.…

    Read More »
  • World News

    IRA agent Stakeknife admits to killing informer in uncovered 1990 court document

    A BBC investigation has revealed that Freddie Scappaticci, the man believed to have been one of the British Army’s top agents within the IRA, admitted in 1990 to shooting a suspected informer. Scappaticci, who passed away in April, consistently denied being the agent known as Stakeknife. He is suspected of being involved in over 20 murders during the Troubles in…

    Read More »
  • World News

    UK homeless charity St Mungo’s staff strike over pitiful 2.25% pay rise dispute

    Homeless charity St Mungo’s is facing a month-long strike from its staff, beginning today, as workers protest against what they consider an insufficient pay increase. Unite union members will form picket lines outside the charity’s offices in London, Brighton, Bristol, and Oxford. According to the union, the employees are “taking a stand” following a “pitiful” offer of a 2.25% pay…

    Read More »
  • World News

    UK supermarket inflation hits 9% due to coffee, chocolate, and non-food goods

    Inflation at UK supermarkets reached a new peak in the year to May, driven by the rising cost of commodities such as coffee, chocolate, and non-food items. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ reported that overall inflation at grocers climbed to 9%. Although fresh food prices have experienced a slight decrease, the government is considering asking supermarkets to cap…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Bangkok bids to host World Pride 2023, promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance

    Bangkok is preparing to host the highly anticipated World Pride event in 2028, with Move Forward Party (MFP) leader and deputy prime minister Pita Limjaroenrat unveiling the ‘Road to Bangkok Pride 2023’ campaign. This landmark event aims to celebrate diversity, foster equality, and establish Thailand as a premier LGBTQ+ tourism destination. After Sydney, Washington D.C., and Amsterdam, MFP leader Pita…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya City gears up for several exciting events

    Pattaya City is gearing up for several exciting events taking place next month in June. On Saturday, June 17, there will be a thrilling lineup of activities to encourage drug-free lifestyles, particularly among youth. The festivities will kick off at 3pm near the sailing memorial across from Mike Shopping Mall and will continue until 10pm at Central Mall. The event…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network warns parties against reinstating plant as narcotic

    The Cannabis Future Network in Thailand has called upon three alliance parties not to reinstate cannabis as a narcotic drug, referring to the decision as “getting the first shirt button wrong” and potentially leading to further issues. The network leader, Prasitchai Nunual, expressed his concerns on their Facebook fan page, stating that the ad-hoc committee responsible for discussing the removal…

    Read More »
  • World News

    China rotates crew on fully operational space station, sends first civilian

    China has successfully launched three astronauts, including its first civilian scientist, to its fully operational space station as part of a crew rotation. The Shenzhou-16 spacecraft, carrying commander Jing Haipeng, engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and Beihang University professor Gui Haichao, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert. The mission aims to conduct large-scale, in-orbit experiments, studying…

    Read More »
  • Tourism News

    Surat Thani sees 155% increase in international visitors, boosting revenue

    Surat Thani sees a significant increase in international tourists, with over 1.5 million visitors arriving in the province so far this year, a 155% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial governor. Governor Witchawut Jinto announced that since January, the province has welcomed a total of 2.05 million visitors, with 1.5 million being international tourists.…

    Read More »
  • World News

    China aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station

    China announced plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2023 while also expanding its space station. Today, a live broadcast will cover the launch of a spacecraft at 8.31am Thai time, carrying three Chinese astronauts. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in various spheres, among them the competitive nature of their respective space industries. The US…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Thai man high on Yaba mistakenly fears Burmese army invasion, kidnaps son

    A Thai man reportedly under the influence of Yaba (methamphetamine) confessed to police that he had rushed to pick up his son from a school in the southern province of Chumphon due to a false belief that a Burmese army had invaded Thailand. The man, identified as 29 year old Jirapong Janthong, had taken a rifle with him into Phubodin…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Unemployed man found dead in vehicle amid struggle with depression

    A 42 year old unemployed man was found dead in his pickup truck near Rama III Road, Soi 41, Yan Nawa district, Bangkok, reportedly suffering from depression. The initial investigation reveals he has been unemployed for almost a year and had a history of depression. At around 10pm yesterday, local authorities in the Bang Phongpang, Yannawa district received reports of…

    Read More »