Month: February 2024

  • Cannabis

    The wild journey of cannabis worldwide

    Cannabis has woven its way through human history for thousands of years, far beyond the reach of modern cannabis laws. Its journey from ancient cultivation to today’s legal battles reveals a complex tapestry of cultural, political, and economic influences. Imagine, for a moment, families gathering in fields across the globe, harvesting hemp without a hint of the controversy that would…

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  • Thailand News

    New year’s feast or fin-ite: WildAid uncovers Thai waters’ shark crisis

    As Lunar New Year approaches, WildAid‘s latest findings expose a crisis in Thai waters, where shark fins on celebratory dining tables spell extinction for these majestic creatures, threatening the balance of the ocean’s ecosystem. WildAid sounded the alarm based on a comprehensive DNA analysis of shark fin products sold in Thailand. A staggering 62% of fins sampled come from species…

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  • Business News

    Thailand’s blue flag stores to become drop-off points for postal goods

    The Internal Trade Department is joining forces with Thailand Post in an initiative that will see the country’s Blue Flag (Thong Fah) affordable stores used as drop-off points for goods from farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the general public. The Department Director-General, Wattanasak Sur-iam, confirmed that discussions with Thailand Post had taken place and that they were in…

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  • Thailand News

    Janitor still at large after sexually assaulting 6 year old schoolboy

    The janitor of a school in the Isaan province of Nong Khai is currently on the run after multiple incidents of sexual assault against a 6 year old schoolboy, resulting in the victim developing a urinary tract infection. Shockingly, the school’s director and several teachers have taken the side of the janitor and pressured the victim to leave the school.…

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  • Digital Marketing

    Why video is essential in digital marketing today

    In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, video has emerged as a cornerstone of effective marketing strategies. With 91% of businesses incorporating video into their marketing efforts in 2023, it’s clear that this medium has become indispensable. But what makes video such a powerful tool in digital marketing? The shift towards video marketing isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of…

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  • Digital Marketing

    Maximize your reach: A beginner’s guide to video SEO

    Improving your video SEO is a game-changer in boosting your online presence. With Google’s algorithm favouring varied and quality content, incorporating videos into your site can significantly enhance your SEO efforts. This not only increases your visibility but also makes your content more engaging and relevant to your audience’s search queries. Video SEO, or optimizing your video content for search…

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  • Thailand News

    PM Srettha pays unannounced visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport amidst biometric glitch

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a surprise visit to Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday morning, amongst reports of a recent biometric system glitch that threw the airport into chaos during rush hours. The glitch, a repeat offender, wreaked havoc on automatic passport control channels, leaving departing jet-setters stranded and frustrated. Eyewitnesses claim the prime minister’s unannounced appearance was a direct response…

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  • Technology News

    The transformative year of 2023: Embracing the decentralized web with the Internet Computer Protocol

    The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in the digital world, as we witnessed the shift towards a new era of internet usage. The catalyst for this transformative phase was the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), a revolutionary technology developed by the DFINITY Foundation. This Swiss not-for-profit research organization has redefined the digital landscape by introducing a fully decentralized, third-generation blockchain…

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  • Business News

    Megabangna mall invests 200 million baht to boost customer spending

    SF Development Co, the firm behind Megabangna shopping mall, earmarked a 200-million-baht (US$5.6 million) budget for marketing, intending to drive up customer footfall and increase spending by 10-15%. Wanwimon Ordeedolchest, the Vice-President of Marketing at the company, revealed that the funds will be channelled into numerous events, activities, campaigns, and applications to draw in shoppers to Megabangna. “We will hold…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai family demands answers after prisoner suicide

    The family of a Thai prisoner who tragically committed suicide on February 4 condemned the lack of action by officers at Manchakhiri Police Station in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen and demanded an explanation from the police regarding their handling of the situation. The family of Mong, a 42-year-old Thai man, sought police assistance on February 3 following his…

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  • World News

    King Charles III begins cancer treatment, postpones engagements

    In a significant health update, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III of the United Kingdom has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. This statement comes after a recent hospital visit initially intended for benign prostate enlargement treatment, during which another concerning issue was discovered. The 75 year old king has begun a regular treatment schedule and has been…

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  • Thailand News

    Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines operates double daily flights to Bangkok

    Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) is offering two daily flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok to cater for the growing demand over the Lunar New Year festivities and beyond. From Hong Kong’s bustling airport, GBA’s flight HB281 takes off at 8.30am, landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport near Bangkok by 10.30am. A second daytime flight jets off with HB283 departing at 3pm,…

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  • Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

    Unlock your site’s potential by mastering website audits

    In today’s digital age, ensuring your website stands out from the crowd is more crucial than ever. A website audit is your first step towards identifying what’s holding your site back from achieving its full potential. It’s about diving deep into your website’s structure, content, and performance to pinpoint areas for improvement. Imagine having a roadmap that not only highlights…

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  • Business News

    Chinese New Year spending in Thailand set to hit decade high

    The upcoming Chinese New Year festival, set to start on Thursday, February 8, is predicted to witness the largest financial outlay by Thai locals in over a decade, thanks to the nation’s economic resurgence following the pandemic’s impact. The annual survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), monitoring consumer expenditure during the festival, foresees a…

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  • Thailand News

    Foreign men allegedly swindles 1.2 million baht from Thai victims

    Two Thai victims sought help from Channel 7 after two foreign men swindled them out of US$34,700 (about 1.2 million baht) while the police delayed taking action on the case. A Thai woman named Karnratha, along with her boyfriend, implored Channel 7 to broadcast their story to put pressure on officers at Lumphini Police Station to take action on their…

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  • Cannabis

    The art of cannabis cultivation: A beginner’s blueprint

    Growing cannabis involves nurturing the Cannabis genus plants, which fall under the Cannabaceae family. This process can yield either the sought-after buds or leaves, depending on the grower’s objectives. Unlike hemp, which has different cultivation techniques, cannabis for regulated markets in the United States must adhere to strict guidelines, including being grown within the same state it’s sold due to…

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  • Thailand News

    Pattaya police crackdown on underage entry at local club

    Pattaya police cracked down on the city’s entertainment hotspots in an operation named Nightwatch, arriving at Area 39 on Pattaya Third Road at 1.30am on February 3. Amidst the sea of IDs, a 19 year old girl emerged, attempting to slyly slip past with a counterfeit identity. The venue management pointed fingers at the imposter, claiming she hoodwinked her way…

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  • Business News

    AIS in talks with PTT OR for virtual bank licence application

    Potential collaborations are underway as Advanced Info Service (AIS) engages in discussions with PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and a digital platform provider. The objective is to apply for a virtual bank licence from the Bank of Thailand, revealed AIS Chief Executive, Somchai Lertsutiwong. This partnership would be an addition to AIS’s current plan to secure a license with…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai airports set to soar with billion-baht boost

    The AOT, eagerly awaiting the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), is on the cusp of obtaining public airport certification for Udon Thani, Buriram, and Krabi airports. According to Police General Wisnu Prasatthong-osot, the visionary chairman of the board, the AOT will begin the development of its airports as planned once the certifications have been received.…

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  • Business News

    Thailand targets 35 million international tourists

    The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is optimistic about its ability to attract 35 million international tourists this year. This confidence stems from the fact that in the first month of the year alone, the country recorded three million foreign visitors. The encouraging figure was aided by daily arrivals exceeding 90,000 on weekdays and 100,000 during the weekends in…

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  • Thailand News

    Dugongs’ dinner dilemma: Seagrass vanishing act sparks fears for marine giants

    The disappearance of vital seagrass in the southern province of Trang has marine scientists and conservationists on high alert. The dwindling seagrass, a key food source for dugongs, has raised concerns over the fate of these gentle sea mammals. Seagrass, the culinary delight of dugongs, is vanishing at an alarming rate from the pristine seas off Thailand’s southern province of…

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  • Technology News

    Must-try dating apps and sites to find your Valentine in Bangkok (2024)

    Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. But, if you’re still without a date, don’t worry! With about a week to go, there’s still time to find that special someone thanks to the power of technology. With so many dating apps and sites out there, it’s easier than ever to connect with potential matches…

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  • Thailand News

    Muay Thai community grieves the loss of rising star Chalarmphet

    The Thai boxing community is in mourning following the untimely death of the famed fighter Chalarmphet Sornpichai, also known by his ring name, Shark Diamond. His passing on February 5, was confirmed by the Muay Thai Kiatpetch Facebook page, which posted an image of the boxer accompanied by a heartfelt message of condolence. The boxing community has come together to…

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  • Thailand News

    Motorcycle taxi rider stabs rival rider after dispute over passenger

    A 73 year old motorcycle taxi rider in the central province of Chachoengsao stabbed a rival taxi rider after the victim accused him of stealing a passenger. Officers from Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station intervened in a confrontation between two motorcycle taxi riders outside the Metropolitan Waterworks Office on Junlanan Road in Chachoengsao province on February 5. Officers witnessed the 43…

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  • Thailand News

    Myanmar worker squashed to death by concrete

    A construction worker from Myanmar died at the weekend after being crushed by concrete wall panels in Cherng Talay, Phuket. The 25 year old Burmese worker, Aye Myat Thu, was sent to Thalang Hospital but was later pronounced dead. Police officers arrived at the accident scene at the construction site at around 11.30am, Saturday, February 3. The site supervisor, Pimpisa…

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  • Business News

    Thai bond market to remain strong with 1 trillion baht new issuances

    The Thai bond market is projected to remain strong this year, with estimated new issuances totalling 1 trillion baht (US$27.9 billion), says financial advisory firm SCB Wealth. The sustained high interest rates are expected to contribute to favourable returns. Sornchai Suneta, Executive Vice President of SCB Wealth’s Investment Office and Product Function, anticipates that the bond market will continue to…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai police officer found dead with gunshot wound at an Isaan dam

    Locals discovered the dead body of a Thai police officer with a gunshot wound to his head at Lam Pao Dam in the Isaan province of Kalasin yesterday, February 5. Police suspect suicide but his family are not convinced. Officers from Nakhung Police Station in Kalasin investigated the Lam Pao Dam scene after receiving a report of the death yesterday.…

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  • Thailand News

    Jaws drop in Huay Yai Village as 2-metre crocodile sunbathes by fishing pond

    A 2-metre long crocodile weighing 30 kilogrammes sent villagers in Huay Yai Village, East Pattaya into panic as it casually sunbathed by Taklom Fishing Pond on Sunday, February 4. Locals and news crews flocked to capture the unexpected visitor on video, showcasing the reptile’s playful antics and its remarkable evasive skills during capture attempts. The owner of Taklom Fishing Pond,…

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  • Business News

    Bangkok’s BAM anticipates drop in bad debt auction prices in 2024

    Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM), a prominent player on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), anticipates a decrease in auction prices for bad debt sales in 2024 due to a rising supply amid economic sluggishness. The financial institutions are expected to face increased challenges with the escalation of distressed debts, influenced by depreciating auction prices for both non-performing loans and…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai man cycles 400 kilometres for justice after losing disability allowance

    A Thai man, paralysed in both legs, devised a plan to cycle more than 400 kilometres from the northern province of Sukhothai to Bangkok in pursuit of justice after his disability allowance was cut off. Despite his plea for assistance, authorities declined to aid him in his endeavour. A rescue team in the central province of Ang Thong accompanied the…

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  • Business News

    Thai finance minister urges bank of Thailand to lower policy rate

    The Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, called on the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to consider lowering its policy rate. The request comes in a bid to alleviate the strain on the public, taking into account the impact of the policy rate on individuals rather than solely focusing on financial stability. Julapun argues for a harmonious approach, stating…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai government and BRN to commence peace talks in Malaysia

    The upcoming dialogue between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) and the Thai government’s peace team is set to start today in Malaysia, as disclosed by a source from the National Security Council (NSC). The two-day negotiation session will be steered by Chatchai Bangchuad, NSC deputy secretary-general, representing the NSC team, and Anas Abdulrahman, a high-ranking BRN official, leading the…

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  • Thailand News

    Fifth suspect in Srisuwan extortion case sought by the CIB

    The ongoing high-profile Srisuwan extortion case is set to take another twist, as the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Deputy Commissioner, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, announced yesterday that they are seeking an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect. This individual is considered less significant to the case compared to the four who have already been apprehended. The quartet detained last week, including known…

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  • Thailand News

    Udon Thani temple’s rice husk pagoda destroyed by fire

    A revered temporary rice husk pagoda at Wat Nakathewi in Udon Thani province was engulfed in flames last night, leaving behind a charred metal framework. At 9pm yesterday, February 5, local disaster prevention and mitigation officials were alerted to the fire, which rapidly consumed the structure despite the efforts of firefighters, temple committee members, and residents. Notably, the temple’s cherished…

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  • Thailand News

    Three-year-old girl drowns in Ayutthaya canal near temple

    A tragic incident unfolded today at 1.30am when a three year old girl, Fasai, drowned in a canal opposite the Chumphon Nikayaram Rajaworawihan Temple in the district of Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya province. The child’s distraught parents, 48 year old Kasem, and 28 year old Matana were inconsolable upon the discovery of their daughter’s body, crying out her name in a…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai condo market surge fuelled by visa-free policy and Chinese

    The Thai condominium market is experiencing a surge in activity, largely due to a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, which has led to a significant increase in property purchases by foreigners. In the first three quarters of the year 2023, foreign buyers transferred ownership of 10,703 units valued at 52,259 million baht (US$1.46 million). This momentum is expected to…

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  • Thailand News

    Saraburi’s new police station faces scrutiny over service gaps

    A newly constructed police station at Hin Kong, Nong Khae, Saraburi, despite having a 10 million baht (US$279,466) budget, faces criticism for not providing police services to residents. Police Colonel Surachet Saenwong Na Ayutthaya, the chief of Nong Khae Police Station, responded to the concerns, explaining the situation and the steps being taken towards a resolution. Villagers in the Hin…

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