Year: 2023
- 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…
Read More » - World News
Life with HIV: Long-term survivors share their experiences
Over three decades ago, receiving an HIV diagnosis was akin to being handed a death sentence. Many endured discrimination, devastating personal losses, and gruelling drug side effects. However, advances in treatment have enabled millions of individuals to live with this virus. To mark the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the virus responsible for AIDS, four long-term survivors shared their…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai Vietjet launches premium lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Budget airline Thai Vietjet opened ‘The Coral Executive Lounge’ at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, where passengers can indulge in a range of premium services while waiting for their journey to begin. Services offered at the lounge include food and refreshments, snacks, a bar, WiFi, flight information services, private rooms, neck and shoulder massages, newspapers and magazines, televisions, and disabled…
Read More » - World News
UK prime minister defends police after anti-monarchist arrests during coronation
LONDON – UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the country’s police forces on Tuesday, emphasizing their operational independence after facing criticism for arresting anti-monarchists prior to a protest at King Charles III’s coronation. Sunak expressed his support for London’s Metropolitan Police, which had been condemned for detaining six members of the advocacy group Republic just hours before Saturday’s event. “They…
Read More » - World News
Former PM Imran Khan arrested amidst political crisis and protests in Pakistan
Protests have broken out across Pakistan following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan during a court appearance in Islamabad. Khan is facing a multitude of charges since being ousted from power last year in what analysts believe is a tactic used by Pakistani governments to quieten their opponents. If convicted, Khan could be prohibited from holding public office,…
Read More » - World News
US jury deliberates on Donald Trump’s liability in rape allegation lawsuit
New York – A US jury began deliberations on Tuesday to determine whether former president Donald Trump is liable for the alleged rape of an American former magazine columnist in the mid-1990s. If the nine jurors rule in favour of accuser E. Jean Carroll, it would mark the first time Trump has faced legal consequences over claims of sexual misconduct.…
Read More » - Business News
Biden holds crucial meeting with Republicans on US debt limit impasse
President Joe Biden recently held a crucial meeting with Republican leaders to address the impasse over the US debt limit, which has far-reaching consequences on the world’s largest economy as well as the upcoming presidential election. The meeting at 4pm included Biden, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. As the national debt ceiling, currently standing at…
Read More » - World News
Moscow amusement park accident injures at least 20 people, including children
Shocking footage has emerged showing the horrifying moment that an amusement park ride broke down in mid-air, resulting in at least 20 individuals being injured, including eight children. The incident occurred at an amusement park in the eastern part of Moscow on May 8. Two of the injured individuals are in critical condition. The alarming video captures the chilling moment…
Read More » - Politics News
Thai PM candidate Pitha clears air over ITV shares controversy
Pitha Limcharoenrat, head of Thailand’s progressive party, Move Forward Party, and candidate for prime minister, has refuted allegations surrounding his ownership of shares in ITV Plc. Ruangkrai Leekijwattana recently claimed to have discovered that Pitha holds 42,000 shares in ITV Plc, and has called for the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to investigate the matter. The situation is significant as…
Read More » - Crime News
Court denies bail for DJ Man, actress Baiteoy, and other suspects in Forex 3D share fraud case
Earlier today, the Special Case Division of the Office of the Attorney General summoned defendants, including Panlapat Phum-on, also known as DJ Man, and Sutivan Suwannaphoom, more famously known as Bai-toey, alongside several others involved in case no. 273/2565. They were summoned to listen to the charges filed against the six defendants in connection with the Forex 3D (foreign exchange)…
Read More » - Economy News
Pheu Thai candidate Dr Silp champions cultural diversity for economic revival
Dr Silp – Silpwichai Noisyamitr, a candidate for the constituency 24 of Khlong San, Thonburi, and Ratchaburana, Bang Pakok, under the Pheu Thai Party, aims to revive the economy with the diverse local culture. Growing up, he was a keen reader of Bangkok’s column in the newspaper, which made him an “active citizen” with a great knowledge of urban development.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai cyanide serial killer claims 15th victim, confirms RTP deputy commissioner
The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, today confirmed that the number of victims of the Thai cyanide serial killer increased from 14 to 15. Big Joke added that officers are now investigating 78 million baht found in the bank accounts of the cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, and 12 other people. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Tangmo: Court in Thailand sentences 2 defendants over actress’s death
A local court in Nonthaburi has ruled on the case involving the death of Pattharathida Patcharaweerapong, also known as Tangmo, a 37 year old actress. The investigation found that Thanatphat Lertthawiwit, also known as Por, 33 years old, was guilty and sentenced to five years, eight months in prison, and a fine of 128,000 baht (US$3,784). However, as Thanatphat showed…
Read More » - Health
Western tourists embrace traditional Chinese medicine in Thailand
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is seeing a surge in popularity among Western tourists visiting Thailand and other Asian nations where TCM is widely practised and easily accessible. Visitors are often drawn to TCM due to its perceived effectiveness, the use of natural remedies, and its holistic approach to health and wellness. In recent years, TCM has received increased recognition and…
Read More » - Crime News
Suspected murderer of Thai-British teen attacked during re-enactment
UPDATE A relative of the 17 year old Thai-British teenager Woramet “Ben” Taota – who was murdered in Lampang in northern Thailand on Saturday – attacked the suspected murderer with a wooden stick during a re-enactment of the crime this morning. At 11am, officers from Mae Tha Police Station and Lampang Provincial Police escorted the accused, 44 year old Chaiwat…
Read More » - Pattaya News
German tourists injured in Pattaya-Naklua road accident
Two German tourists sustained injuries after being struck by a car while leaving a bar on Pattaya-Naklua Road. The accident took place around 2am on Saturday, May 6 on the Naklua Pattaya Road. Jakob Bauler, 68 years old, and, 58 year old, Klaus Werner were walking back to their hotel after enjoying a night out at one of the bars…
Read More » - Business News
Thai stock market rebounds with net inflows as investors absorb negative US news
The Thai stock market has begun experiencing net inflows this week after significant capital outflows during the first four months of the year, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Investors have seemingly absorbed negative news regarding the US banking crisis and the possibility of a recession. Soraphol Tulayasathien, a senior executive vice president, expressed hope that May would…
Read More » - Thailand News
ITV closes its operations since 2007 and files lawsuits against the Prime Minister’s Office
Anupong Chayrith, the Deputy Director of the Public Relations Department of Thailand (PRD/Thai PBS), confirmed on Wednesday that ITV Co., Ltd. has ceased operations since 2007, and likewise, its subsidiary, which provided filming equipment rentals, has also closed down. However, they are maintaining their legal status as they take legal action against the Office of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. This…
Read More » - Thailand News
Laotian woman gives birth in pickup truck on Thai road
At around 2am yesterday, volunteer staff from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation received a report of a woman giving birth in a pickup truck on Tiwanon Road, near the Amphornphisarn intersection in Bang Phut Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi. The emergency team quickly arrived at the location to provide assistance reports Sanook. Upon arriving at the scene, they found a…
Read More » - World News
Japan works towards opening NATO liaison office in Tokyo
Japan is progressing with plans to establish a NATO liaison office in Tokyo, according to Japan’s ambassador to the US, Koji Tomita. Speaking at an event held by the National Press Club in Washington, Tomita referred to a report by Nikkei Asia earlier this month, which stated that the US-led alliance intends to open the office – it’s first in…
Read More » - Education
The best summer camps in Bangkok your kids will love
As the school bell rings for the last time this academic year, your kids are ready to embrace the glorious summer holidays. And have you ever wished your little munchkins could have the ultimate experience of fun, learning, and making new mates all in one go? Well, we have just the perfect solution for you: summer camps in Bangkok! We…
Read More » - Guides
5 posh places for a relaxing afternoon tea in Bangkok
Nothing beats a chill afternoon with yummy snacks, cute little cakes, and tons of tea shared with your favourite people, right? If you’re in Bangkok, you’re in for a treat! There are loads of awesome spots where you can enjoy afternoon tea. From fancy Asian-inspired high tea to exclusive chocolate-themed tea sets, there’s something for everyone’s taste. So, whether you’re…
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