Month: September 2023
- Thailand News
Hit and run in Samut Prakan leaves young man dead
A tragic car accident took the life of a 20 year old man while crossing a road in Samut Prakan province today, around 2.30am. The hit-and-run incident, reported by police captain Somai Charoenraj, an inquiry officer at Bang Pu Police Station, occurred on Praeksa Road near The Moon restaurant in Praeksa Subdistrict, Mueang District. On arrival at the scene, the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Online storm brews as suspect grilled in Beer The Voice explicit content case
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Division 1 (CCID1) officers questioned a Thai man who was accused of posting explicit content of renowned Thai singer, Passaranan “Beer” Ussadamongkol, also known as Beer The Voice. Last week, the explicit content, images and videos of Beer were shared on several social media platforms in Thailand. It appears from the content that the videos and…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Stormy skies ahead: TMD warns of widespread rain havoc
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a storm warning today, with torrential rain predicted across 41 provinces, including Bangkok. Some 60% of these regions are expected to be significantly affected. The public is urged to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and forest runoffs. The weather warning for the next 24 hours indicates the remnants of a storm sweeping across…
Read More » - Thailand News
Big Joke accused of being involved in online gambling operation
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers raided the home of Royal Thai Police (RTP) Deputy Commissioner Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn this morning over allegations of his involvement in an online gambling operation. Big Joke denied the allegation and refused to allow officers to enter his home. CCIB officers attempted to raid five houses owned by Big Joke in Soi Vibhawadee 60 near…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s Ghost Tower: A haunting legacy of opulence left in ruins (video)
Sathorn Unique Tower, eerily dubbed the Ghost Tower, remains an unfinished, forsaken, and unloved edifice, 33 years after its inception in the heart of Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok. Construction of the opulent 49-storey skyscraper kicked off in 1990 with the grand vision of accommodating Thailand’s most affluent families, yet it languishes in a state of perpetual emptiness. The towering structure…
Read More » - Thailand News
Car accident: Two killed in high-speed collision at Sakon Nakhon temple
A tragic car accident took place, resulting in two fatalities, including a mother who held her ten month old son firmly in her arms until her last breath. The incident, which left many heartbroken, occurred at Phra Phutthabat Namthip Temple, Phu Phan district, Sakon Nakhon province. A Facebook page, named Wat Phra Phutthabat Namthip, Phu Phan, and n Nakhon, posted…
Read More » - Business News
Federal Reserve statements impact gold prices, Thai domestic rates soar
Gold prices have been impacted by recent statements from the Federal Reserve, indicating possible rate increases this year and a likelihood of high rates throughout next year. This information, released on Wednesday, elevated the US dollar and bond yields, putting pressure on gold as investors revised their future price expectations for the precious metal. Consequently, Thursday saw a retreat in…
Read More » - Business News
Wage increase: Thai businesses wary of proposed 400 baht hike
The business sector expressed concerns over the possible negative effects of the proposed daily minimum wage increase to 400 baht. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, could lead to higher costs for consumers. Industries that rely heavily on labour, such as agriculture, food export, retail trade, and construction, would be most affected by the wage increase, according to…
Read More » - Business News
Fiscal incentives may reward farmers bypassing Thai government’s debt suspension plan
An anonymous source from the Finance Ministry revealed that farmers who opt out of the government’s planned debt suspension programme may be rewarded with incentives. This policy is reminiscent of one enacted during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and is designed to encourage fiscal discipline among farmers. Previously, in the period between 2001 and 2004, the Thaksin regime introduced a three-year…
Read More » - Business News
Thaicom to launch Thailand’s first tracking service via LEO satellite
Thaicom, the satellite operator listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is set to launch the country’s first tracking service via a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, Spot Gen 4. The launch, planned for the fourth quarter of this year, will primarily target Thailand’s tourism and maritime industries. The launch comes on the heels of a commercial partnership inked last…
Read More » - Business News
Rise in expatriate residence in Thailand prompts tourism benefits plan
Thailand’s popularity as a residence of choice for expatriates and remote workers is on the rise. As per the data from the Employment Department and Colliers Thailand, the first quarter of this year saw 156,596 expatriates, with over half based in Bangkok. The leading nationalities were Japanese, Chinese, and Indian last year. However, recent reports show an increased interest among…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s fisheries law amendment to ease fishermen’s concerns
A proposed amendment to the fisheries law by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is underway, designed to alleviate the economic issues plaguing fishermen who assert that their livelihoods are compromised by stringent regulations. Thammanat Prompow, the Minister, acknowledges the concerns raised by fishing communities, who claim to be adversely impacted by the Fisheries Act. This fisheries law, originally instituted…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Pattaya Loma Run on the Beach 2023 attracts over 1,800 participants
The celebrated charity event Pattaya Loma Run on the Beach 2023 has once again proven to be a magnet for running enthusiasts, drawing in an impressive crowd of over 1,800 participants from various parts of Thailand and the globe. Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, Krisana Boonsawad, led the opening ceremony and prize distribution at the break of dawn today, at 4.45am. Accompanying…
Read More » - Thailand News
Move Forward Party welcomes new spokesperson: Prisath Wasinsathu
The ex-president of the advisory board of the Move Forward Party (MFP) congratulated Parit Wacharasindhu on his appointment as the new spokesperson for the party. Supporting him in the role are two deputy spokespersons, Krunphon Tiansuwan and Phakamon Hunnanan. Former MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat shared his enthusiasm for the new spokesperson in a lively post. He expressed his joy for Prisath, referring…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai health minister backs cannabis ban, citing surge in teen usage
Cannabis and its high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) variants should be entirely prohibited for leisure use and return to the narcotics list, says Dr Rasmon Kalayasiri, the Centre of Addiction Studies director. This statement was a show of support for Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew’s proposed changes to the Cannabis and Hemp bill, initially proposed by former minister Anutin Charnvirakul and rejected…
Read More » - Business News
Tesla, Google, Microsoft eye US$5 billion investment in Thailand
Thailand anticipates a minimum of US$5 billion (160 billion baht) investment from tech giants Tesla, Google, and Microsoft, as shared by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Tesla is considering establishing an electrical vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility, while Microsoft and Google are exploring data centres, PM Srettha today stated, without specifying whether this projected US$5 billion was an aggregate investment or an…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Pattaya bar worker severely electrocuted by faulty light pole
A terrifying incident occurred in Pattaya early this morning when a 25 year old female bar worker received a severe electric shock from a light pole. The potentially life-threatening situation unfolded on Third Road in South Pattaya, in front of a fitness centre. It was roughly around 5.30am today when the emergency responders rushed to the scene. Upon their arrival,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Army investigates mysterious disappearance of 200,000 litres of diesel in Saraburi
An ongoing probe is being conducted by the army headquarters into the mysterious disappearance of over 200,000 litres of diesel from the Ordnance Materiel Rebuild Center situated in Saraburi province last year, as disclosed by a representative of the army. Deputy spokesperson of the army, Major General Sirichan Ngathong, stated that an internal army audit team noted potential irregularities in…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai PM’s foreign policy balancing act between US and China under scrutiny
The Thai government is confronted with the challenge of sustaining a balanced foreign policy in the face of escalating tensions between the United States and China. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, fresh from his appointment, embarked on his maiden foreign journey to New York where he is presently participating in the 78 Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) and…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Bangladeshi nationals disguised as monks arrested in Thailand
Seven Bangladeshi nationals, masquerading as Buddhist monks to bypass immigration scrutiny, were apprehended yesterday in the southern province of Songkhla, Thailand. The arrest was a collaborative operation between Songkhla immigration officers and Hat Yai tourist police, following an anonymous tip-off. The men, who had shaven their heads and donned monk robes in their attempts to blend in and evade the…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Pattaya heightens safety measures ahead of Chinese and Kazakh tourist influx
Pattaya, a renowned tourist destination in Thailand, is ramping up safety measures in anticipation of a surge in visitors from China and Kazakhstan. Local police held a comprehensive safety inspection of floating restaurants and squid fishing rafts in Pattaya Bay yesterday, September 23, focusing on the establishments’ adherence to safety guidelines and legal obligations. This intensification of safety checks is…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai PM denies plans to appoint Thaksin Shinawatra as adviser post-prison
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin denied reports that he plans to appoint former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his adviser upon his release from prison. PM Srettha addressed these reports while attending the 78 Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The 61 year old PM clarified that he was asked by a journalist if he…
Read More » - Road deaths
Three killed in Nang Rong district motorcycle accident, including child
A tragic accident in Nang Rong district, Buriram, claimed the lives of three individuals, including a four year old girl, her mother and stepfather, when the family was travelling by motorcycle and it collided with a pickup truck leading to an immediate fire. The unfortunate event unfolded on the Sa Pradu-Thung Saeng Thong rural road in Tambon Thung Saeng Thong,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai government employees struggle with debt, support higher graduate pay
A recent survey by the National Institute for Development Administration (NIDA) revealed that a significant number of government officials and state enterprise employees are burdened with debt. Moreover, the same group of respondents expressed their support for the government’s policy to set the starting monthly salary for bachelor’s degree graduates at 25,000 baht. The NIDA Poll, carried out from September…
Read More » - World News
Ugly frog figure on Antiques Roadshow revealed as valuable 18th century Scottish pottery
A peculiar three-legged frog figure, initially deemed unattractive by a couple, turned out to be a valuable 18th-century piece of Scottish pottery in a recent episode of the popular BBC TV show, Antiques Roadshow. The episode, which featured the historical Brodie Castle in Morayshire, Scotland, left viewers astonished as the true value of the ugly frog was uncovered. The couple presented…
Read More » - Thailand News
Woman saved from suicide leap into Chao Phraya River by quick-thinking volunteers
A 30 year old woman was rescued from the brink of jumping off the Rama 7 Bridge into the Chao Phraya River yesterday. A team of volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were alerted by passersby to the distressed woman sitting on the bridge, facing the river. Despite their attempts to console her and convince her to step down from the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Interim leader steps in for embattled MFP amidst legal tension
Pending a legal verdict, 45 year old Chaithawat Tulathon assumes the role of interim leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) after his predecessor stepped down. Chaithawat was elected alongside the board of executives, taking over from Pita Limjaroenrat, who resigned from the MFP leadership earlier this month to facilitate the transition to a new opposition leader. Pita’s position as an…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket hotels collaborate with ONWR to tackle water crisis and boost sustainable tourism
Facing a critical water shortage, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) devised a strategy to collaborate with Phuket hotels, launching an initiative to decrease water utilisation in the tourism industry. Surasee Kittimonthon, the ONWR secretary-general, highlighted the escalating water crisis in the popular Thai resort island, marked by inadequate water supply and treatment issues. With the tourist count…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand signals reopening for foreign investment at UNGA78, says PM Srettha
Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, declared his attendance at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) session in New York a triumph, as it signalled that Thailand is reopening its doors to foreign investment. PM Srettha, who also holds the position of finance minister, shared this positive outlook with the press following his address at the UNGA78 general…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s visa-free initiative welcomes Chinese, Kazakhstani tourists
Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists will be welcomed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi Airport tomorrow, signalling the start of the government’s new visa-free initiative. Srettha will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers and officials at a reception organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to greet Chinese travellers aboard Thai AirAsia X flight XJ761, scheduled to arrive…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand joins Cambodia and Vietnam to combat call centre scams, fake news
Thailand is set to collaborate with Cambodia and Vietnam in a bid to curb the menace of call centre scams and fake news, as part of a recent regional initiative. This development was made known by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister linked to the prime minister’s office, following discussions with her Cambodian and Vietnamese counterparts. On her recent visit to Vietnam,…
Read More » - Thailand News
TV host Perry Pairoj announces retirement to pursue personal dreams
Perry Pairoj, renowned entertainer and TV host, announced her upcoming retirement. After a successful career spanning one year, Perry plans to follow her dreams and embark on an exciting new chapter. Perry’s announcement left fans heartbroken. After a year-long stint in the entertainment industry, the TV host is setting her sights on fulfilling her dreams. She expressed her immense gratitude…
Read More » - Thailand News
MFP elects Chaithawat Tulathon as leader amid Pita MP status uncertainty
Previously the secretary general of the Move Forward Party (MFP), Chaithawat Tulathon was elected as the new leader, succeeding Pita Limjaroenrat. Pita resigned amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his Member of Parliament status. Chaithawat, however, indicated this may be a temporary measure, as he and the new executive committee members are prepared to step aside, should Pita be able to resume…
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