Year: 2023
- World News
China’s aircraft carriers: A threat or propaganda showpiece?
While China’s recent military drills with its Shandong aircraft carrier showcased its modernizing forces, experts believe it could take over a decade for China to pose a credible carrier threat far from its shores. Military attaches and defence analysts question the value of China’s carriers in a potential conflict with the US over Taiwan or their ability to be protected…
Read More » - Thailand News
Honest Thai couple hand over bag with lost 100,000 baht to police in Ratchaburi
An honest Thai couple discovered a bag with 100,000 baht inside in front of a shopping mall in the central province of Ratchaburi and notified the police so they can search for its owner. Eighteen year old Kittisak “Zen” Thaweechokhirun, and his 18 year old girlfriend, Potchathawat “Mali” Sabumuang, last night reported the cash-filled bag they found at a shopping mall…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May
Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province is bracing for the rainy season to start in mid-May. The Thai Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season in Thailand will start around the third week of May 2023, with one to two tropical storms possibly passing through the northeastern and northern regions in August and September. Thailand’s rainy season typically occurs from May to…
Read More » - World News
Chinese foreign minister assures Russia and India of deepening bilateral ties at SCO meeting
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has assured his Russian and Indian counterparts that China will continue to deepen bilateral relations and that “coordination and cooperation” will only grow stronger, as it demonstrates its solidarity with two of China’s biggest neighbours. Qin met with other foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in India last week, as Beijing seeks to…
Read More » - Phuket News
Mai Khao authorities in Phuket enforce removal of illegally posted signs
Efforts to remove illegal roadside signs throughout the Mai Khao area have been ramped up, following orders given by Sarawut Srisakukham, the Chief of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor). As part of the ongoing crackdown, officials have been tasked with identifying and dismantling any unauthorised signage, to help maintain order and cleanliness in the region. The campaign commenced…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thailand welcomes 8.5 million foreign tourists so far this year
Thailand welcomed over 8.5 million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2023, generating revenue of 353 billion baht, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri revealed today that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted to hear about the strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector from January to April. In total, 8,596,452…
Read More » - Thailand News
Cannabis crooks caught on camera: Foreigners caught stealing from Phuket pharmacy
CCTV footage captured two foreigners stealing cannabis from a pharmacy in Phuket. Fortunately, a member of staff caught them red-handed on the job. The Facebook page, Phuket Info Center, posted two videos of the incident yesterday, May 4, with a caption that said… “Warning! Foreigners stole cannabis from a shop on Rat U Thit 200 Years Road in the Patong…
Read More » - Crime News
Heartbroken Thai durian farmer cries after trees poisoned, causing 30 million baht loss
A heartbroken durian farmer in South Thailand cried after he discovered on Wednesday that most of his trees had been poisoned, causing a long-term loss of around 30 million baht (US$936,000). The farmer, 51 year old Charin Phuachai, lives with his family in Chumphon province, in the Hat Phan Kraj sub-district of the main city district. Charin had 25 Mon…
Read More » - Business News
Dexon Technology’s overseas expansion strategy amid global recession forecasts
Despite numerous predictions of a potential global economic recession, Dexon Technology’s chief executive Mallika Kaekla is confident that the company’s strategy to expand overseas will help boost revenue this year. Established in 1996 close to the Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong province, Dexon Technology originally provided engineering inspection services for the energy and petrochemical sectors, ensuring efficiency and…
Read More » - World News
Serbian mass shooting leaves 8 dead and 13 injured
A tragic shooting last night in the vicinity of Belgrade, Serbia, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to another 13. This shocking incident comes in the wake of another mass shooting in Serbia just one day earlier. Serbian authorities are reportedly searching for a 21 year old male suspect after a warrant was issued for his arrest.…
Read More » - World News
CIA accused of using powerful cyberweapons against China and other countries, report reveals
China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre (CVERC) and cybersecurity company 360 jointly released a report yesterday, accusing the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of using powerful cyberweapons to attack other countries, including China. The report claims that the CIA has orchestrated “peaceful evolution” and “colour revolutions” worldwide through superior technology. The report concentrated on numerous cyberattacks within China. Investigators…
Read More » - Business News
Airbnb reports first annual profit and optimistic outlook for tourism
Airbnb has made a strong recovery in 2022, achieving its first annual profit on a 40% revenue growth to US$8.4 billion, and reporting net income of $1.9 billion. Optimistic about further growth this year fuelled by the tourism industry, the company’s co-founder and chief strategy officer, Nate Blecharczyk, highlights the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviour. The San Francisco-based…
Read More » - Thailand News
PWO collaborates with NACC and Amlo for lawsuits over rubber glove corruption scandal
The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is collaborating with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to proceed with lawsuits against individuals involved in the corruption surrounding the procurement of 500 million boxes of rubber gloves worth 112 billion baht in 2020. PWO director Kriangsak Prateepvisut disclosed last week that the organization is preparing to file civil and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s pollution control department to lower safe PM2.5 levels following WHO guidelines
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) yesterday announced plans to align with the World Health Organisation guidelines and reclassify the safe level for ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) to 37.5 µg/m3 in an effort to address dust pollution concerns. Jatuporn Burutphat, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, expressed the ministry’s…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thailand to close several popular islands for environmental restoration
Four islands in Trang province, southern Thailand, will close for four months to give nature a chance to restore itself after a hectic tourist season, namely Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Chuek, and Koh Waen. Thailand’s Similan Islands will also close for the monsoon season. Yesterday, the Chief of Hat Chao Mai National Park Prit Narasaritkul announced the temporary cease of…
Read More » - World News
South Korea aspires to become a global pivotal state for Indo-Pacific crisis response
South Korea‘s aim to become a global pivotal state (GPS) will help countries in the Indo-Pacific region address crises, according to the nation’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Choi Youngsam, who spoke to media in Seoul. Choi addressed the World Journalist Conference, hosted by the Journalist Association of Korea from April 24-29. Around 50 international journalists, including five from Southeast Asia –…
Read More » - Cannabis
Lollipop shines at the Cannex Asia Cannabis Cup in Bangkok, Thailand
Lollipop joined the Cannex Asia Organiser Team for the highly anticipated 4/20 community event, which took place from April 20 to 22, 2023, at Emquartier in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was a resounding success, bringing together cannabis enthusiasts, growers, dispensary owners, and wellness industry professionals. Cannabis Cup and farmer’s market: A green affair The Atrium event space on the 5th…
Read More » - World News
White House urges AI giants to consider moral responsibility in technology development
The White House recently called on the leaders of US artificial intelligence (AI) giants to acknowledge their “moral” responsibility in protecting society from potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence. In a meeting with CEOs from Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, Vice President Kamala Harris urged these tech behemoths to ensure the safety and security of their products while complying with…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s One Drone, One Community project aims to boost smart farming and economy
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has announced its plan to launch a pioneering project in Thailand that will provide large drones to communities and offer training in drone maintenance to encourage smart farming development. The initiative, titled “One Drone, One Community,” is backed by the Digital Economy Fund and aims to create an economic impact exceeding 800 million baht…
Read More » - Business News
The future of Thai workforce: Embracing flex work and employee experiences
Despite facing economic uncertainties, nearly 60% of global executives anticipate their businesses to achieve stable or significant growth. Asian leaders, however, express concerns about the rising cost of capital and debt, labour market tightness, and competition for talent when planning for the upcoming year. In the Global Talent Trends (GTT) Study 2023 by Mercer, human resources leaders in Thailand shared…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai robbers nabbed for stealing from Chinese renters in Pattaya
Officers from Chon Buri Provincial Police arrested two Thai men for robbing a rental house occupied by three Chinese nationals in Pattaya on Wednesday while the other three suspects are still at large. A Thai female party entertainer was accused of supporting the gang. The Mueang Pattaya Police Station received a notification about the theft at a beachfront rental house…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Rare strong winds topple tree at Doi Suthep temple, causing panic among visitors
A rare windstorm, known locally as “Lom Luang“, surprised tourists and monks when it struck Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai, resulting in a large tree collapsing across the Naga staircase. The incident occurred at 4pm today, when the forceful winds swept through the summit, causing a large red tree, big enough for three people to hug, to fall, blocking…
Read More » - Thailand News
Karen villagers’ settlement in Kaeng Krachan National Park sparks public outcry
Protests have erupted among local residents in Phetchaburi over the Thai government’s decision to settle 150 Karen villagers in Kaeng Krachan National Park. The controversy was sparked on April 30 when the prime minister issued an order permitting the villagers to return to arable land located deep within the Bang Kloy Bon area of the national park. This decision has…
Read More » - Thailand News
Twist in Thai cyanide serial killer case: Actress and nurses investigated for buying same poison as killer
There has been another twist in the Thai cyanide serial killer case. Not only has the serial killer’s husband been charged with aiding and abetting her crimes and released on bail but the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is investigating the purchase of some cyanide by a famous Thai actress and 10 nurses, who reportedly bought the poison from the same…
Read More » - Business News
US authorities investigate Goldman Sachs’ role in Silicon Valley Bank collapse
US authorities have launched an investigation into Goldman Sachs‘ work with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in relation to the events that led to the collapse of the California-based bank. Goldman disclosed the probe in a recent securities filing, noting that they are cooperating and providing information to various government bodies. The investigation focuses on the bank’s activities for SVB in…
Read More » - Early Years
Ascot International School launches exciting Summer Camp for 2023
Ascot International School is excited to announce the launch of its annual Summer Camp, running from July 3 to 28, 2023. The camp aims to provide students with a fun, engaging experience and hands-on learning opportunities. With a team of qualified native English-speaking staff and a wide range of exciting activities, the Summer Camp promises to be a highlight of…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Body found floating near Koh Samui, Thailand
A dead body was found floating in the sea between Koh Samui on Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, yesterday. The deceased appears to be a foreign woman, reports MGR Online. Yesterday, the Facebook page “Chalerm Yord Phongsri” posted photos of a swollen body floating face down in the sea, wearing only underwear/swimwear, with the caption… “I…
Read More » - Road deaths
Phuket motorbike tragedy claims life of young Polish woman
A motorbike tragedy in Phuket claimed the life of a young Polish woman yesterday, in Thailand’s latest road accident. The 33 year old rider was killed after she crashed her motorbike and slid under a trailer truck in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket’s main city district. Rescuers arrived at the scene on Chao Fa West Road, in front of a…
Read More » - World News
Wife throws boiling hotpot at husband in restaurant, causing distress to nearby diners
A couple’s heated argument in a hot pot restaurant located in the Guangzhou province of China shocked onlookers as the wife threw boiling soup at her husband, inadvertently scalding customers at the nearby table. CCTV footage captured the dramatic incident during which the husband and wife quarrelled while having a meal together and demonstrated shocking acts of violence. According to…
Read More » - World News
Belgrade security guard hailed a hero after school shooting
In a tragic event that shook the entire nation, nine lives were lost in a school shooting in Belgrade by a teenage gunman, including those of the long-time security guard, Dragan Vlahovic, and eight students. As the community grieves and tries to come to terms with the deadliest school shooting in Serbia‘s recent history, Vlahovic is hailed as a hero…
Read More » - Crime News
Italian man throws furniture off Pattaya balcony, tests positive for ‘ice’ (video)
An Italian man made a scene in front of over 100 witnesses on Wednesday night when he threw furniture and large items off a Pattaya balcony. This was at the Charlie Place Hotel on Soi Buakhao, located in the Nong Prue sub-district of Bang Lamung district. The man blamed marijuana for his shocking behaviour, however, the man later reportedly tested…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Canadian teenager found dead in Bangkok condo room
A young Canadian man was found dead in his rented condo room in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Police say they are investigating suspicious evidence found inside the room. At 2.30pm, officers at Bangrak Police Station were notified that a foreigner was found dead in his rented room on the 6th floor of a luxury condominium building on the Samyan – Silom…
Read More » - Economy News
US and Thailand advance energy cooperation in recent discussions
The United States and Thailand have recently agreed to advance energy cooperation during talks in Washington, DC. The Office of the Spokesperson for the US Department of State issued a joint press statement revealing that the discussions took place during the third US-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue, held from April 18 to April 20. Both nations aimed to deepen their ties…
Read More » - Crime News
Fun-loving UK teenager dies after taking drugs at Full Moon party in Thailand, inquest reveals
A fun-loving, “fiercely independent” teenager from the United Kingdom died after taking drugs at a Full Moon party in Thailand an inquest heard. A UK coroner yesterday determined that the 18 year old woman from Winchester died by misadventure after taking ecstasy while backpacking in Thailand. The teenager, Eleanor Yates, was found dead in her bed in the Ko Pha…
Read More » - World News
8 killed in sectarian violence in rural Pakistan
In rural Pakistan, eight individuals, including five teachers, died as tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims escalated into a fatal confrontation. The violent incident took place in the isolated border town of Teri Mangal in Kurram district, which is situated less than a kilometre from the border with Afghanistan. Two armed men entered a school while teachers collected exam papers…
Read More » - World News
Brazil city’s nightmare: Earth crumbles beneath them
In the northeastern Brazilian city of Buriticupu, Deusimar Batista and her neighbours are living in constant fear due to a rare phenomenon: enormous sinkholes that have swallowed streets, and houses and even led to fatalities. This terrifying event is attributed to deforestation and improper urban planning, affecting the inhabitants of the impoverished city of 70,000, located in Maranhao state. Buriticupu…
Read More » - Crime News
Taliban’s poppy ban hits Afghan farmers amid humanitarian crisis
In a remote compound in southern Afghanistan, Bibi Hazrato, a distressed 60 year old, watches as a group of men destroy her poppy crop, adhering to a Taliban government order to eradicate the narcotic plant from the country. Hazrato confronts the men, but one of them simply says… “God says crush this.” The profitable trade of poppy tar, which is…
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