Month: February 2024

  • GuidesThe magic of mascots in building brand identity

    The magic of mascots in building brand identity

    In today’s bustling market, standing out is crucial, and mascots could be your golden ticket. They’re not just fun faces for your brand; they’re powerful tools that forge deep connections with your audience. Unlike celebrities, who can be costly and unpredictable, mascots offer a cost-effective and reliable way to enhance your brand’s presence. What is a mascot? A mascot serves…

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  • Road deathsFamily pilgrimage ends in van-truck collision tragedy in Buriram

    Family pilgrimage ends in van-truck collision tragedy in Buriram

    A family outing turned tragic yesterday evening when their van collided with a eucalyptus wood transport truck, leaving two dead and four seriously injured. Around 8.30pm on February 17, authorities from the Satuek Police Station in Buriram Province, led by Deputy Investigator Thanadorn Phaksarum, were called to the scene of the accident on the Buriram-Stuek Road, heading towards the city…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s democracy index ranking drops due to unelected govt

    Thailand’s democracy index ranking drops due to unelected govt

    The yearly Democracy Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has seen Thailand’s ranking fall by eight places, a change largely ascribed to the latest government formation by unelected senators rather than voters. The EIU placed Thailand in the 63rd position among 167 countries and territories in 2023, a drop from its 55th position in 2022. The country’s score…

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  • Thailand NewsKanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project

    Kanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project

    Kanchanaburi’s five districts are set to benefit from a water diversion tunnel project that aims to alleviate drought problems. The project, which is valued at 12 billion baht (US$335,746,080), seeks to transfer 378 million cubic metres of water from the Srinagarind Dam, the largest dam in the western region, to an area of 200,000 rai in the Huay Krachao, Lao…

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  • Thailand NewsThai security academic calls for transparency in government assets

    Thai security academic calls for transparency in government assets

    An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. His proposal aims to enhance transparency through regulated financial accounts and the disclosure of expenditures. Panitan, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, expressed his concerns, highlighting the ministries of Education, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and Finance…

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  • Thailand NewsJoint Thai-US operation to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai begins

    Joint Thai-US operation to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai begins

    A joint operation to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, which tragically sank approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, will kick off this Thursday, as announced by the Thai and US navies. The vessel was victim to a fierce storm that led to its sinking. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Veerudom Muangjin,…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsMekong basin developmental projects threaten livelihoods, wildlife

    Mekong basin developmental projects threaten livelihoods, wildlife

    An expert in sustainable growth and fair use of natural resources has warned that lives and livelihoods along the Mekong Basin could be in jeopardy as a result of developmental projects. The 14,000-rai Wiang Nong Lom in northern Thailand, a shared resource and home to a multitude of freshwater species, has long been a haven for local wildlife. Now, however,…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand revenue dept rectifies glitch in My Tax Account system

    Thailand revenue dept rectifies glitch in My Tax Account system

    A glitch in the My Tax Account system of Thailand’s Revenue Department has been promptly rectified, with department authorities confirming that the issue was not triggered by a security violation. This affirmation comes after several taxpayers discovered the addition of two unexplained income entries on the My Tax Account online platform, a part of the Revenue Department’s e-tax filing system.…

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  • Thailand NewsConcerns rise as wild tiger lurks near Kamphaeng Phet village

    Concerns rise as wild tiger lurks near Kamphaeng Phet village

    A wild tiger prowling the vicinity of a village in Kamphaeng Phet sparked serious concerns among locals, prompting the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to dispatch a team of officials and veterinarians to capture the big cat. The tiger was sighted in the forest adjacent to Kariang Namtok village in Khlong Lan Pattana of Khlong Lan…

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  • GuidesIconic Thai street art pieces and their stories

    Iconic Thai street art pieces and their stories

    Thailand’s streets are a canvas, showcasing some of the most iconic graffiti artworks that tell stories of culture, resistance, and creativity. As you wander through bustling cities and quiet alleyways, you’re bound to stumble upon vibrant murals that capture the essence of Thai life and beyond. From the heart of Bangkok’s urban sprawl to the hidden corners of smaller towns,…

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  • GuidesThailand’s Tattoo Artists: Masters of Innovation and Tradition

    Thailand’s Tattoo Artists: Masters of Innovation and Tradition

    Thailand’s tattoo scene is evolving, and you’re in for a treat if you’re keen on the latest ink trends. Gone are the days when the Sak Yant, a symbol of protection and strength, was the only choice for ink enthusiasts. Today, the Land of Smiles is bustling with creativity, merging traditional designs with modern flair. Are tattoos acceptable in Thailand?…

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  • Thailand NewsFresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn

    Fresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn

    In a bid to tackle the parched plight of Koh Larn amidst soaring tourist numbers, Pattaya is eyeing a collaboration with a new water supplier to bolster freshwater production. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai revealed plans for a potential alliance with a novel water supply venture, projecting a surge in production capacity to a substantial 1,000 cubic metres per day, catering…

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  • Thailand NewsOpenAI breaks barriers with ‘Sora’ project

    OpenAI breaks barriers with ‘Sora’ project

    Artificial intelligence (AI) juggernaut OpenAI unveiled its groundbreaking project dubbed Sora, a text-to-video model set to democratise video creation as we know it. Gone are the days of pricey equipment and inaccessible know-how. With Sora, all you need is a prompt and a dream. Sora operates much like its predecessors, ChatGPT and DALL·E, responding to written cues by conjuring up 60…

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  • GuidesDiscover the Charms of Bangkok with Friends

    Discover the Charms of Bangkok with Friends

    Exploring Bangkok with your mates? You’re in for a treat! Often just seen as a pitstop on the way to Thailand’s islands or the North, many don’t realise Bangkok’s true potential as a standalone destination. With its bustling economy, efficient metro system, mouthwatering street food, top-notch restaurants, and electrifying nightlife, Bangkok is a city that truly has it all. Highlights…

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  • GuidesExploring Thai street art: An introduction to Thailand’s urban canvas

    Exploring Thai street art: An introduction to Thailand’s urban canvas

    Thai street art offers a vibrant glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry, blending traditional themes with contemporary issues. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a dialogue between the past and present, making cities like Bangkok living galleries. As you wander through the bustling streets, you’re stepping into a world where every wall tells a story, every mural whispers legends,…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s cultural marvel: Khon dance meets history in Ayutthaya

    Thailand’s cultural marvel: Khon dance meets history in Ayutthaya

    In a fusion of ancient artistry and historical grandeur, the Khon masked dance will weave its enchanting tales against the backdrop of Ayutthaya next month. This cultural extravaganza promises to be a visual feast, celebrating Thailand’s vibrant legacy in a way never seen before. Part of the esteemed Ayutthaya Sundown 2024 programme by the Ministry of Culture, this Khon performance…

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  • Thailand NewsSurrogacy to be covered by health insurance in Thailand

    Surrogacy to be covered by health insurance in Thailand

    The Health Service Support Department is joining forces with the Office of Insurance Commission and insurance providers to integrate surrogacy into the health insurance scheme. This move comes in response to Thailand’s plummeting birth rates and the looming spectre of an ageing population. According to Dr Sura Wisedsak, the department’s director-general, a whopping 114 hospitals and clinics across Thailand are…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand tourism council study reveals surprising spending trends

    Thailand tourism council study reveals surprising spending trends

    In an investigation undertaken by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), it has emerged that a significant portion of the Thai populace has adopted a more frugal approach to their expenditure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The TCT’s exhaustive survey, spanning from last year up to now, canvassed the travel inclinations of 418 Thai individuals earning over 10,000…

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  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Srettha confirms Thaksin’s release tomorrow

    Update: Srettha confirms Thaksin’s release tomorrow

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s release from hospital detention, confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, marks the end of a dramatic chapter in Thai politics. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile, will step out of confinement on Sunday, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. The 74 year old ex-PM, serving a commuted one-year sentence for…

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  • Thailand NewsMyanmar nationals flee to Thailand to evade military conscription

    Myanmar nationals flee to Thailand to evade military conscription

    In Thailand’s border province of Tak, young Myanmar nationals, now including women, attempt to evade compulsory military conscription. Soldiers from the Ratchamanu Taskforce, stationed in Tak’s Mae Sot district, made a startling discovery on Friday, apprehending 27 youths comprising 13 men and 14 women near a stream in Phop Phra district. These young individuals revealed they had embarked on their…

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  • Thailand NewsUncovering trends in Thai consumers self-confidence by generation

    Uncovering trends in Thai consumers self-confidence by generation

    Merz Aesthetics Thailand unveiled the inaugural Self-Confidence Index, shedding light on the mental fortitude of Thai consumers and their quest for physical perfection. Spearheaded by Assistant Professor Dr Watcharaporn Bunyasiriwat, a Social Psychology Lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, this survey marks a significant leap in understanding consumer confidence trends. Delving into the psyche of 1,000 Thai consumers, the survey uncovers intriguing…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand considers lowering age for criminal responsibility to 14

    Thailand considers lowering age for criminal responsibility to 14

    In response to a disturbing surge in juvenile offences, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is considering a radical proposal to lower the age threshold for criminal punishment exemption from 15 to 14 years old. This unprecedented move follows a string of harrowing incidents that have rocked the nation and left authorities grappling for solutions. RTP spokesman, Police Lieutenant General Achayon…

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  • GuidesGreen your Thailand trip: Essential tips for eco-wise travel

    Green your Thailand trip: Essential tips for eco-wise travel

    Embarking on a journey to Thailand? It’s not just about soaking up the sun or exploring bustling markets. It’s also a golden opportunity to travel with purpose and care for the planet. Opting for eco-conscious travel options can make a significant difference. In the heart of Bangkok’s urban sprawl lies an oasis of greenery, Bang Kachao, a testament to sustainable…

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  • Thailand NewsChon Buri: Teenage girl sexually assaulted by motorcycle taxi driver

    Chon Buri: Teenage girl sexually assaulted by motorcycle taxi driver

    A teenage girl became the victim of a sexual assault after being abducted by a motorcycle taxi driver she had hailed through a popular ride app. The perpetrator, 39 year old Pramual was arrested at a lodging house in Na Jomtien Soi 2, Chon Buri province, following the victim’s report of the assault at his residence. The 16 year old…

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  • Thailand NewsCentral Thailand: Stepfather fatally shoots stepson then kills himself

    Central Thailand: Stepfather fatally shoots stepson then kills himself

    A family dispute culminated in a fatal shooting last night at around 9.30pm in the community of Ban Saeng, Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya province, when a stepfather shot his stepson before turning the gun on himself. Bang Pa-in Police Station received an emergency call reporting a serious gun-related injury within the Eua Arthorn housing village. Led by Police Lieutenant Colonel…

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  • Thailand NewsTaxpayers perplexed by mysterious income entries

    Taxpayers perplexed by mysterious income entries

    A prominent company named Infofed clarified unusual income sources that surfaced when taxpayers submitted their tax forms online, urging explanations from the Revenue Department. The ease of digital tax filing has been marred by these mysterious entries, sparking widespread concern. The Facebook page Drama-addict raised the alarm yesterday, February 16, about a peculiar issue encountered by taxpayers who ventured online…

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  • Thailand NewsFamily leaps to safety from second-floor in Pathum Thani blaze

    Family leaps to safety from second-floor in Pathum Thani blaze

    A family of four made a harrowing escape from their burning home in the early hours of yesterday, as flames engulfed the property in Chalida Village, Pathum Thani province. The incident, which occurred around 1.20am, forced the family to make a desperate leap from the second floor to avoid the rapidly spreading fire. The fire brigade, along with public disaster…

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  • Thailand NewsFirst challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand

    First challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand

    The status of snooker as a Class B gambling game is set to be challenged for the first time in 89 years, as an agreement has been reached to propose its cancellation to the interior minister. This initiative has garnered support from the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, the Interior Ministry, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the House…

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  • Thailand NewsConcerns over Khao Yai National Park land allocation plans

    Concerns over Khao Yai National Park land allocation plans

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has strongly opposed the Agricultural Land Reform Office’s (ALRO) plan to allocate portions of Khao Yai National Park to farmers. The authorities are concerned about the encroachment of agricultural practices into fertile forest zones. Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, the director of the National Parks Office, expressed grave concerns after learning that nearly…

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  • LifestyleTying the pieces together with the awesome history of shoelaces

    Tying the pieces together with the awesome history of shoelaces

    Shoelaces might seem like a small part of our daily lives, but they have a surprisingly rich history that stretches back thousands of years. From the first discovery in the Areni-1 cave to the invention of aglets that revolutionized the lace, these strings have been tying together not just our shoes, but stories of innovation and necessity. It’s fascinating to…

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  • GuidesUnlocking the secrets behind traditional Thai Tattoos – More than ink

    Unlocking the secrets behind traditional Thai Tattoos – More than ink

    Diving into the world of traditional Thai tattoos, you’ll uncover a realm where art meets spirituality. These tattoos, more than mere body art, serve as a bridge to Thailand’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. At the heart of this tradition lies the Sak Yant tattoo, a symbol of protection, luck, and strength. Crafted by revered masters, these tattoos are a…

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  • Thailand NewsReddit user’s dream job goes down the drain after office bathroom blunder

    Reddit user’s dream job goes down the drain after office bathroom blunder

    A male Reddit user, sharing his misfortune anonymously, detailed his disastrous experience of losing a promising job opportunity due to an unfortunate bathroom blunder. In a post on Monday, February 12, the original poster recounted the events that led to his downfall. “I had pretty much gotten the job at a previous interview and I was just in to fill…

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  • Thailand NewsAncient boat unearthed near Krabi’s Khlong Thom District

    Ancient boat unearthed near Krabi’s Khlong Thom District

    The discovery of a well-preserved ancient wooden boat found buried along the canal’s banks has captivated the local community in Khlong Thom, Krabi province. The boat is believed to be connected to the same historical period as the famous Khlong Thom beads, dating back some 1,800 years. Villagers stumbled upon the ancient vessel buried in the soil along the canal bank…

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  • Thailand NewsDSI seizes 10 million baht in uncertified goods in southern Thailand

    DSI seizes 10 million baht in uncertified goods in southern Thailand

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted a raid today in the warehouse of a renowned online merchant in Yala province, seizing over 10 million baht worth of uncertified goods. The operation was led by Chayaphon Saitawee, the director of the Special Case Operations Center in the Southern Border Provinces. The DSI, alongside the administrative officials of Mueang Yala District…

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  • Thailand NewsFamily feud over billion-baht legacy rocks northern Thailand

    Family feud over billion-baht legacy rocks northern Thailand

    A family feud over a billion-baht inheritance from a prominent family in Nakhon Ratchasima province has escalated, with both sides engaging in a fiery exchange of allegations. Three of the four heirs have been ousted from the inheritance following the patriarch’s death, instigating a series of public revelations and legal battles that have captivated public interest. On February 13, three…

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  • Thailand NewsPhuket tour boat operators arrested for safety breaches

    Phuket tour boat operators arrested for safety breaches

    Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Marine Police Region 8 yesterday arrested two tour boat operators in Phuket for a series of breaches. The authorities detailed their infractions in an online post, including operating boats with expired registrations, failing to provide adequate life rafts and overloading their vessels with passengers. The routine check-up led to the arrests on Klong Tha Jeen,…

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  • Thailand NewsMonitor lizard’s big bathroom splash surprises couple in Thailand

    Monitor lizard’s big bathroom splash surprises couple in Thailand

    A jumbo-sized monitor lizard caused a stir at 4.30pm yesterday when it made an unexpected entrance into a couple’s bathroom in Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Rescue workers were called to the scene at a rental room within Bang Khla Market, Bang Samak, Bang Pakong district, where they encountered the 2-metre-plus reptile. The homeowner, 33 year old Prasitthichok, reported the incident after…

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