Month: September 2023
- Thailand News
Swiss tourist falls to death at Phuket airport raising safety concerns
A 53 year old Swiss tourist met a tragic end last night, plunging from a parking structure at Phuket International Airport. The Sakhu Police Station’s chief, Police Colonel Salan Santisatsanakul, reported that the police were alerted about the foreigner’s fall around 7.30pm. The officers on arriving at the scene discovered blood traces on the ground floor of the parking building. The…
Read More » - Business News
Thai stocks fall 1.3% amid fears of high interest rates impact
Share prices experienced a surge on Friday, reversing earlier downtrends and Wall Street’s sell-off, as traders weighed the implications of further interest rate hikes by central banks grappling with inflationary pressures. Thai stocks fluctuated between 1,503.23 and 1,539.40 points before ending yesterday at 1,522.59, marking a 1.3% fall from the previous week, with daily transactions averaging 52.06 billion baht. Retail…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Fatal accident in Sri Racha as storm rips PTT signboard from mountings
A terrifying incident unfolded in the Sri Racha, Chon Buri district on Wednesday, September 20. A PTT signboard was torn from its mountings by violent winds and heavy rain. In a tragic turn of events, the plummeting signage caused one fatality and inflicted damage on several nearby convenience stores. The PTT gas station at Pha Daeng branch was the scene of…
Read More » - Business News
El Niño effect forecasted to lower Thai rice production in 2023-24
The Agricultural Economics Office of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry in Thailand forecasted a decline in rice production for the 2023-24 harvest season. The expected drop is approximately 871,000 tonnes, a decrease of 3.27%, totalling 25.8 million tonnes. This significant decrease is primarily due to the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Department,…
Read More » - Business News
Phuket hotels thrive amid economic uncertainty, thanks to diverse visitor base
Phuket hotels are showing resilience amid a sluggish European economy and a weak British pound, with Laguna Phuket setting sights on its best high season yet. This optimism is fuelled by the return of Chinese tourists and a rebound in international travel demand. Paul Wilson, who holds the position of Vice-President and Deputy Managing Director at Laguna Phuket, revealed that…
Read More » - Crime News
Malaysian ‘Godfather’ of wildlife trafficking jailed in US over rhino horns
A Malaysian wildlife trafficker has been confined to prison for a period of 18 months in the United States. The charge against the trafficker, Teo Boon Ching known infamously as the Godfather, is the planned trafficking of hundreds of kilogrammes of rhinoceros horns. The horns, a result of the illicit poaching of rhinoceroses, are valued at millions of dollars. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai PM sparks debate with plans to seek advice from ex-PM Thaksin
The Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister has sparked heated debates among politicians with his new intention to seek counsel from former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, upon his release from prison. Srettha Thavisin revealed in an interview with Bloomberg Television that he values Thaksin’s political advice, describing him as the country’s most popular prime minister, hence “it would be unwise of…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Significant arrest over 41 million baht embezzlement case
Bangkok was recently the scene of a significant arrest as Thai authorities apprehended a man implicated in a substantial embezzlement case. A 52 year old individual, known as Chaloam, was taken into custody in Bang Kapi, a district in Bangkok. This arrest comes in response to a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in…
Read More » - Business News
Sky ICT aims for top three global aviation software spot by 2024
Having clinched a deal with Airports of Thailand (AoT) in 2020 to develop smart airports, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed aviation tech firm Sky ICT is now setting its sights on becoming a top three global player in aviation software by 2024, according to Sithidej Mayalarp, the company’s chief executive. Sky ICT is negotiating with a leading global aviation…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Thai PM outlines global expansion strategy at New York meeting
A significant meeting took place yesterday at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, where Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, teamed up with the Minister of Finance to lay down important policies for a Thai national team operating in the United States. Imposing his government’s work philosophy, PM Srettha stressed the importance of embracing progress in line with the rule…
Read More » - Business News
Gulf Energy and China Datang collaborate on Thai-Laos hydroelectric project
Gulf Energy Development Plc has teamed up with China Datang Overseas Investment Co (CDTO), a subsidiary of a mainland energy firm, to ink a tariff memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EEGAT) for the Pak Beng hydroelectric power project. The announcement was made in a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The Pak Beng…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Cow rescued from abandoned septic tank by Pattaya rescue team
In the town of Pattaya, an unusual occurrence transpired on Thursday, September 21, as a cow found itself in a predicament, having tumbled into an obsolete septic tank situated in an abandoned area near the railway tracks along Soi Siam Country Club. On receiving a distress signal from the residents, Pattaya Rescue Radio Center promptly dispatched a response team to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai man linked to 2013, 2014 infant deaths through DNA tests
DNA tests have confirmed that a 46 year old man named Songsak Songsaeng, presently under arrest on charges of murdering his two year old daughter is also connected to the deaths of two infants discovered in the Bang Sue district in 2013 and 2014. The DNA samples from the bodies of the infants match those of Songsak and one of…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s mega land bridge project: an economic boon or environmental bane?
The Industry Ministry of Thailand is currently assessing the environmental impact of a proposed land bridge megaproject in the southern part of the country, a venture that promises to significantly bolster the Thai economy in the future. This assessment is crucial to determining the project’s viability and addressing any potential negative effects on the environment. The proposed land bridge, which…
Read More » - Ask an Agent
What are transfer fees in Thailand property purchase and who pays them?
Like any property market, purchasing property in Thailand will incur additional expenses and fees. Before buying a property, you might come across transfer fees, business tax, and stamp duty during your research, but what are they? And who’s responsible for paying them? Here’s what you need to know. Transfer Fee The Thailand Land Department charges 2% over the appraised value…
Read More » - Guides
Exploring different types of loans available for foreigners in Thailand
In need of a loan? As an expat living in Thailand, you’re probably wondering what your options are. Getting a loan in the country as a foreigner is not easy, but it’s not impossible. Guided by an interest in propelling economic development and promoting tourism, the local government has taken significant strides in making access to financial support much easier…
Read More » - World News
Sweet solution: Honey rushed to rescue as child swallows button battery
Parents have been warned to be alert after a seven year old child accidentally swallowed a button battery, prompting doctors to advise a dose of honey on the way to the hospital to save his life. Children are naturally curious and often put objects in their mouths, leading to accidental ingestion of hazardous items like button batteries. Fortunately, timely surgical…
Read More » - Thailand News
Corruption probe deepens: Mayor’s office searched again after arrest in southern Thailand
The Anti-Corruption Police conducted a second search of the office of the Mayor of Bang Kaeo in southern Thailand after his arrest for alleged under-the-table solicitation of 1.5 million baht. The Mayor, Nathapong Taengsuwan, had earlier been taken into custody for reportedly demanding bribes in exchange for approving a 13-million-baht LED screen installation project. A shocked Nathapong had attempted to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Factory explosion in Prachinburi sparks investigation into potential electric fault
An electrical transformer exploded in a factory within the 304 Industrial Park, Prachinburi, causing a shockwave and towering plume of smoke. Officials promptly arrived at the scene to investigate the cause of the factory explosion, which occurred at 11.20am today. The factory under scrutiny belongs to Ratchakrit Phayak, the District Chief of Sri Maha Phot. The explosion sent a pillar…
Read More » - Thailand News
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher ‘Lives Forever’ with Thai fans after adopting stray dog from Thailand (video)
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher will “Live Forever” in the eyes of a legion of Thai fans after they learned the charismatic singer adopted a five month old stray dog from Thailand. Irishman Niall Harbison took to Twitter to share the heartwarming news of Gallagher and his dog, Buttons. Harbison who lives in Koh Samui in the southern province of…
Read More » - Thailand News
Box office shocker: Thai trafficking thriller spooks Chinese tourists from coming to Thailand (video)
A Thai box office movie highlighting the real-life dangers of human trafficking in Thailand and Southeast Asia has been blamed for scaring Chinese tourists away from the kingdom. The movie, No More Bets, is a gripping thriller grounded in true events. It follows the harrowing journey of a computer programmer who finds himself ensnared in a violent scamming ring in…
Read More » - World News
Young oil palm worker fatally attacked by crocodile while trapping crabs in Malaysia
A disturbing incident unfolded in Malaysia when a 23 year old oil palm plantation worker was attacked and killed by a crocodile in front of his three friends. The group, who had been trapping crabs off the coast of Kampung Tinagian, Lahad Datu district, could only watch in horror as the reptile lunged at their companion. The young man was…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Intense plankton bloom threatens Chon Buri’s marine life and mussel farms
A severe plankton bloom, unusually dense in nature, has emerged off the eastern coast of Chon Buri province, leading to the formation of what marine scientists are referring to as an aquatic “dead zone.” This situation poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local fishermen and the operations of mussel farms in the region. In specific areas of the…
Read More » - Crime News
Buzzkill: CIB busts counterfeit mosquito repellent ring spanning three provinces in Thailand
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) recently apprehended a manufacturer of counterfeit mosquito repellent in Samut Sakhon, along with three distribution points across three provinces. The counterfeit products, containing hazardous chemicals, were discovered today, and a total of 227,000 boxes worth 4.54 million baht were seized. The CIB’s investigation was sparked by the discovery of two Chinese mosquito repellent brands sold…
Read More » - Thailand News
Predatory allegations: Thai pedophile accused of kidnapping 14 year old from Hmong community
A Thai man has been accused of being a predatory pedophile after kidnapping a 14 year old boy from the Hmong ethnic group community at the Chom Si temple in the central province of Sing Buri on September 16. The missing boy has been identified as Natchapon “Moa” Somphopworrapong. Moa is a Hmong boy who relocated to a temple in the…
Read More » - Business News
Roojai revs up for success: Thai online insurer aims to drive into top 10 with profitable year ahead
Online insurance firm Roojai is poised to post its first profit from Thai operations in the fiscal year ending March 2024, according to founder and CEO Nicolas Faquet. This is largely attributable to the company’s growth in motor insurance sales, as it sets its sights on becoming a top 10 player in this segment by next year. Faquet revealed it…
Read More » - China News
Online infatuation leads to embezzlement: Chinese man’s web of trouble
A Chinese man’s infatuation with an Internet idol escalated to the point where he resorted to online embezzlement from his workplace to bestow lavish gifts upon the captivating young woman, ultimately ending up in prison. As reported by Chinese media, Liu, a university graduate and married father, was employed as an accountant at a company, earning a monthly salary of…
Read More » - Crime News
Beauty clinics raid in Bangkok: Over 940 items seized for illicit use of cosmetics
The Central Criminal Investigation Bureau (CCIB) led by Major Anan Nanasombat, with Surasak Vichaisak, Director of Health Support Services, and Paisan Dankhum, Secretary of the Food and Drug Committee, today announced the results of a raid on four beauty clinics in Suan Luang, Bueng Kum, Dusit and Wang Thonglang. The clinics were found to be illicitly using cosmetics as substitutes…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket’s 191 hotline control room gets ‘ready to dial’
The Phuket control room, part of the National Emergency Notification Center and commonly referred to as the 191 police hotline, yesterday underwent an operational readiness inspection. Police Major General Saksira Phueakam, the Deputy Commander of Region 8 Police, conducted the assessment. This control room serves as a crucial hub for receiving reports from both Thai and foreign tourists, as well…
Read More » - Thailand News
14 year old schoolboy stabs rival student to death at school near Bangkok
A 14 year old schoolboy fatally stabbed a 15 year old rival student at a school in Bangkok’s Chacheongsao province yesterday after an argument prior to the incident. Community leader Korrakot Tungphan told ThaiRath that he received news of the stabbing at 5pm yesterday and immediately rushed to the school. Upon arrival, he encountered a group of teachers and students…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok’s stormy wake-up call: Governor urges preparedness as capital weathers surprises
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged the city to be on high alert after storms hit the capital this week resulting in a number of unexpected incidents such as tree collapses, power outages, and flooding. This includes mobilising vehicles from various districts to facilitate the transportation of citizens in risk-prone areas. The command centre reported heavy rainfall yesterday in the Bang…
Read More » - China News
Nannygate: Chinese wife unveils husband’s secret affair
A Chinese woman was left in dismay after finding her husband in bed with their nanny, exposing a long-term clandestine affair. The story, shared on the Sohu website, has since caught public attention. The wife, named Lin, initially met her husband through a matchmaking service. The husband, a prosperous businessman, possessed a handsome demeanour and was of the same age,…
Read More » - Crime News
Powder puff surprise: Methamphetamine-filled makeup case shocks salon in northeast Thailand
An intriguing incident took place yesterday in a beauty salon located in Thammasat Alley, Udon Thani province when an unknown woman handed over a powder case to a 52 year old woman. Astonishingly, the powder case turned out to be stuffed with 30 methamphetamine pills. Stunned by the discovery, the receiver of the powder case, Patsakorn, immediately reported it to the…
Read More » - Thailand News
105,000 baht windfall goes downhill: Thai man’s road to trouble after purse find
Police arrested a Thai man who discovered 105,000 baht in a purse on the road behind a hospital in the central province of Nakhon Sawan and spent it on drugs, gambling, a new motorcycle and a new mobile phone. A Thai woman, Wannapa Kaewtakun, told ThaiRath that she withdrew the 75,000 baht from an ATM at 8.20pm on September 15 and…
Read More » - Business News
Fed’s high interest rates outlook spooks Thai stock market investors
The hawkish stance of the Federal Reserve on maintaining “higher for longer” interest rates is projected to keep the Thai stock market in bearish territory. This comes as elevated rates pose a threat to global economic recovery, leading to consistent fund outflows from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Despite the expected decision by the US central bank to retain…
Read More » - Thailand News
Tragic collision in Thailand’s west claims life in high-speed horror
A fatal collision between a saloon car and a pickup truck occurred on the roads of Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. The high-speed crash resulted in the death of a man who was thrown from the pickup truck and subsequently crushed. The incident was reported to Tha Mueang Police Station at 3.30am today. Investigations at the fatal collision scene revealed a…
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