Month: March 2024

  • Thailand NewsThailand Tourism Festival held in Bangkok from March 28

    Thailand Tourism Festival held in Bangkok from March 28

    The 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival will be held from March 28 to April 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this year’s festival promises a spectacle of unparalleled experiences, blending tradition with innovation and sustainability. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that the Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 will incorporate…

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  • Tourism NewsCentara sets on becoming Top 100 global hotel operator by 2027

    Centara sets on becoming Top 100 global hotel operator by 2027

    2024 is set to be a momentous year for Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator. The company is rolling out an ambitious plan to open new properties, refresh its brands, and introduce exciting experiences for guests, aiming to become a top destination for travellers and one of the world’s leading hotel operators by 2027. Centara laid solid foundations…

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  • Thailand NewsUS pledges boost in semiconductor investment for Thailand

    US pledges boost in semiconductor investment for Thailand

    To ramp up global semiconductor production, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo promised investment in Thailand’s manufacturing sector. Raimondo, speaking at an event in Bangkok hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, asserted that Thailand stood to benefit significantly from increased US investment in semiconductor production, stating that American firms were poised to supercharge their investments in the nation. Highlighting the…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand seeks OECD membership with Germany’s support

    Thailand seeks OECD membership with Germany’s support

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the country’s ambition to gain membership in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He sought Germany’s support for this endeavour during a joint press conference with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, in Berlin. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke outlined the meeting’s details, indicating that Chancellor Scholz expressed Germany’s interest in bolstering relations, especially…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai crowned world’s most polluted as smog crisis worsens

    Chiang Mai crowned world’s most polluted as smog crisis worsens

    Chiang Mai recently ascended to an undesirable top spot on the global stage as it experiences severe air pollution, making it the most polluted city in the world. The air quality in this northern Thai city has reached levels that pose significant health risks due to the pervasive spread of PM2.5 particles. At 3am today, March 15, the air quality…

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  • Thailand NewsHTMS Chon Buri fires at another Thai vessel, 14 sailors hurt (video)

    HTMS Chon Buri fires at another Thai vessel, 14 sailors hurt (video)

    A near-catastrophe unfolded yesterday when the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ship HTMS Chon Buri inadvertently discharged its weapon, firing at another naval ship, HTMS Khirirat, causing injuries to 14 sailors aboard HTMS Khirirat. HTMS Chon Buri docked at Laem Thian Pier within the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri province, had just completed training on March 13. While the vessel…

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  • Thailand NewsMFP warned of legal implications ahead of general debate

    MFP warned of legal implications ahead of general debate

    A general debate has been scheduled for April 3 and 4, with a cautionary note to the opposition that they may face legal consequences if issues related to the ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, are raised. This debate doesn’t require a censure vote under Section 152 of the constitution and will span over two days, revealed Wisut Chainarun, the chief government whip.…

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  • Business NewsBank of Thailand likely to cut policy rate in April, predicts SCB EIC

    Bank of Thailand likely to cut policy rate in April, predicts SCB EIC

    Siam Commercial Bank’s research centre, SCB EIC, anticipates that the Bank of Thailand is likely to initiate a decrease in the policy rate in April due to structural economic issues. The research centre predicts that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will slash the policy rate by 50 basis points in the first half of this year. The initial rate cut…

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  • Thailand NewsIllegal workers in South Korea: Amnesty for Thai nationals

    Illegal workers in South Korea: Amnesty for Thai nationals

    The Labour Ministry of Thailand has approached the South Korean government to consider granting amnesty to around 150,000 Thai workers currently residing and working unlawfully in South Korea. The plea was made yesterday by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat met with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jeong-sik, in Seoul on Wednesday, March 13, to examine the predicament. According to Phiphat,…

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  • Tourism NewsVisa-free policies boost international travel and economies

    Visa-free policies boost international travel and economies

    The international travel industry experienced a significant rebound last year, following the implementation of visa-free policies by various governments. These policies aimed to rejuvenate their ailing economies through the influx of spending by foreign tourists. Thailand, for instance, witnessed 28 million arrivals in 2023 largely due to the strong performance in the last quarter. This surge was precipitated by visa…

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  • Thailand NewsDriving economic growth: Thailand’s quest for clean energy

    Driving economic growth: Thailand’s quest for clean energy

    The call to action resonates through Thailand’s corridors of power as demands surge for the nation to lead the clean energy revolution across the region, igniting economic growth. Burin Adulwattana, the managing director and chief economist at Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research), underscores the urgency of this endeavour, stressing its pivotal role in ensuring competitive pricing for clean energy within Thailand.…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand Video News | Bangkok Cops probe groping incident by foreigners on Khaosan Road, Authorities thwart terror plot

    Thailand Video News | Bangkok Cops probe groping incident by foreigners on Khaosan Road, Authorities thwart terror plot

    In this video, Alex and Jay capture the news across the nation. In southern Thailand, authorities thwarted a potential terrorist operation, while allegations of groping on Khaosan Road prompt investigations. Another significant sentence has been handed down under Thailand’s lese majesty laws. Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Chiang Mai after 17 years marks a notable political event. Meanwhile, a…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok rescue team pulls off penis ring after Thai man makes prick of himself

    Bangkok rescue team pulls off penis ring after Thai man makes prick of himself

    A rescue team in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok successfully removed 11 steel rings from a Thai man’s penis after he made a prick of himself trying to enlarge his todger. Channel 7 reported that a 30 year old man was admitted to the hospital unconscious yesterday, March 14. According to media sources, he encountered difficulty urinating following a…

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  • Business NewsGold prices predicted to hit US,250 per ounce by year-end

    Gold prices predicted to hit US$2,250 per ounce by year-end

    A revision in the global gold prices outlook has been announced by the Gold Traders Association (GTA), projecting an increase to US$2,250 per ounce by year-end from its previous estimate of US$2,100. This adjustment comes in the wake of domestic prices reaching an all-time high of 36,700 Thai baht per baht weight yesterday morning. The President of GTA, Jitti Tangsithpakdi,…

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  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Female police corporal gets 13-year sentence for torture

    Update: Female police corporal gets 13-year sentence for torture

    After a harrowing ordeal that lasted over two years, the court has sentenced a female police corporal to 13 years and five months imprisonment for the brutal treatment of a former female soldier who served under her. The close male friend of the corporal was also convicted, receiving a four-year and one-month jail term. The case came to light when…

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  • Thailand NewsThai woman defends husband for shooting her with harpoon

    Thai woman defends husband for shooting her with harpoon

    A Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram defended her husband, who shot her with a harpoon, to prevent him from being arrested, saying the shooting was an accident. Her husband said otherwise. Rescuers from the Siam Ruamjai Pu-in Foundation in the Nang Rong district of Buriram province hurried to assist a 46 year old woman named Phan who…

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  • Thailand NewsDSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion

    DSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed that a rigorous probe will be undertaken into nine Phuket-based businesses suspected of employing Thai nominees to evade labour laws limiting specific industries to Thai nationals only. Among these organisations is the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, managed by Urs Fehr, a 45 year old Swiss national known for an incident last month…

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  • Thailand NewsYoung Indochina tiger undergoes eye surgery in Uthai Thani

    Young Indochina tiger undergoes eye surgery in Uthai Thani

    A semi-blind male Indochina tiger, believed to be approximately two years old, underwent successful surgery this week to remove an intensely inflamed eye. The tiger, known as Balago, was discovered wandering around Kamphaeng Phet around a month ago and was brought to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani. Senior veterinarian Pimchanok Songmongkol, along with a team of specialists…

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  • Thailand NewsMo Chit 2 drivers demand fare increase and illegal taxis crackdown

    Mo Chit 2 drivers demand fare increase and illegal taxis crackdown

    A demand for an increase in the starting taxi fare at Mo Chit 2 to 50 Thai baht (US$1.40) was presented to the Transport Ministry by the Professional Association of Public Taxi Motorists on Thursday. The association simultaneously appealed for the resolution of the persistent issue of illegal taxi operations in the area. Khanesuan Gamkhuntod, the President of the association,…

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  • Pattaya NewsPattaya mayor takes personal action against increasing graffiti vandalism

    Pattaya mayor takes personal action against increasing graffiti vandalism

    The issue of graffiti vandalism in Pattaya has escalated to the point where the city’s mayor felt compelled to personally lodge a report with the local authorities. The culprits were two teenagers whose reckless actions were captured on CCTV at the Bali Hai Pier. The act of defacing public property took place on the night of March 12 at 9pm.…

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  • Thailand NewsIllegal immigration spikes in Thong Pha Phum as Myanmar nationals seek refuge

    Illegal immigration spikes in Thong Pha Phum as Myanmar nationals seek refuge

    A recent surge in illegal immigration was witnessed in Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, as 22 Myanmar nationals attempted to cross the border into Thailand on March 13. The Thong Pha Phum police, along with other authorities, responded swiftly to a tip-off about the unlawful activity. Upon reaching the specified location, the officers discovered a vacant pickup truck parked close to…

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  • Crime NewsHorrific murder at Lampao Dam: Husband arrested for killing wife

    Horrific murder at Lampao Dam: Husband arrested for killing wife

    The tranquillity of Lampao Dam in Kalasin was shattered on March 13, when at 11am, a horrific discovery was made. A female body was found, cruelly tied around the neck to a tree. The local police and emergency services were promptly notified and rushed to the scene. The body was quickly identified as that of Somphit Senakit, a 53 year…

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  • Crime NewsPattani police thwart potential Ramadan terrorist attack

    Pattani police thwart potential Ramadan terrorist attack

    On a typical early morning, in Sai Buri, Pattani, over 50 members of the Southern Border Provinces Rangers encircled a rented property, following a tip-off about the presence of wanted criminals. The operation kicked off yesterday, March 14 at 5am, with officers taking position around the dwelling and cordoning off the Pattani-Narathiwat Road, to safeguard locals from potential harm during…

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  • Politics NewsFormer Thai PM Thaksin returns to Chiang Mai after 17 years

    Former Thai PM Thaksin returns to Chiang Mai after 17 years

    A remarkable event unfolded in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai when former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his hometown. Accompanied by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who also leads the Pheu Thai party, and other family members, Thaksin arrived via private jet at precisely 9.28am on March 14. On his arrival, the Deputy National Police Chief, Surachet Hakparn,…

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  • Best ofExploring the delicious history of famous Thai desserts

    Exploring the delicious history of famous Thai desserts

    Diving into the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine, you’ll find a sweet thread woven through its history – the evolution of Thai desserts. These treats are not just a feast for the palate but a mirror reflecting centuries of culture, trade, and innovation. From the royal courts of Ayutthaya to the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thai desserts have been a…

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  • Visa InformationHow to spectacularly fail at your visa interview

    How to spectacularly fail at your visa interview

    Ever thought about how to spectacularly fail your visa interview, armed with nothing but a collection of funny reasons? Well, you’re in for a treat. Arriving unprepared at your visa interview is like showing up to a marathon without your running shoes – a fundamental mistake that screams, “I’m not ready for this!” But what if you decide to take…

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  • Thailand NewsTransgender woman faces 25 years behind bars for lese majeste

    Transgender woman faces 25 years behind bars for lese majeste

    A transgender woman has been slammed with a hefty 25-year prison sentence for lese majeste and computer crimes. In a swift ruling from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the 26 year old defendant, Maggie, faced the grim reality of her fate today. Lawyers from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) disclosed details of the verdict, shedding light on a case fraught…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand tokes on new approach: CBD-infused Marijuana oil to fight drug addiction

    Thailand tokes on new approach: CBD-infused Marijuana oil to fight drug addiction

    The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has initiated a pioneering programme utilising marijuana oil infused with high levels of CBD to combat drug dependency. Dr Thewan Thanirat, DTAM’s deputy director-general, unveiled the innovative prescription, named Karun Osoth, a concoction of coconut oil and CBD meticulously balanced to 10 milligrammes of CBD per millilitre of coconut oil. This…

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  • Thailand News‘Wai Khru’ ceremony proposed as cultural heritage

    ‘Wai Khru’ ceremony proposed as cultural heritage

    To celebrate Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob today announced plans to propose the inclusion of the Wai Khru ceremony in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Taking approximately six months to meticulously craft the proposal, the ministry aims to showcase the profound tradition of students expressing gratitude and reverence towards their teachers, a practice deeply rooted in…

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  • Thailand NewsNew tiny scorpion species discovered in Thai national park

    New tiny scorpion species discovered in Thai national park

    A research team from Chulalongkorn University found a new species of tiny scorpions at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi. A team, spearheaded by Wasin Nawanetiwong from Chulalongkorn University, alongside Associate Professor Dr Nattapoj Vajarasathira, unearthed a new addition to the arachnid family. Dubbed Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) krachan, this diminutive creature, barely stretching over 1 inch (25 centimetres) in length, proudly…

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  • Thailand News73 year old Thai man swindles friends to pay party entertainers

    73 year old Thai man swindles friends to pay party entertainers

    Police arrested a 73 year old Thai man at his house in the Huay Kwang district of Bangkok after he swindled millions of baht from his friends to pay for two female party entertainers. A Thai man filed a complaint against his 73 year old friend, Charnyut Saelok, accusing him of swindling about 300,000 baht. The victim explained that Charnyut…

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  • Thailand NewsMFP: Is Thaksin really sick or just playing politics?

    MFP: Is Thaksin really sick or just playing politics?

    Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Rangsiman Rome cast doubt on the transparency of Thailand’s government regarding the health status of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During a three-day visit to his hometown of Chiang Mai, questions arose about Thaksin’s sudden discharge from hospital and his subsequent busy schedule, prompting Rangsiman to demand answers. Rangsiman challenged the government’s narrative, highlighting Thaksin’s…

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  • Thailand NewsThai workers set to transform South Korea’s shipbuilding industry

    Thai workers set to transform South Korea’s shipbuilding industry

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn secured an agreement during his recent visit to Seoul as 3,000 Thai workers are set to revolutionise South Korea’s shipbuilding sector. The minister, in a high-stakes meeting at Lotte Hotel Seoul, clinched a deal with representatives from five top South Korean shipbuilders: HD Hyundai Heavy Industry, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha…

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  • Thailand NewsBite back: Call for Thai Parliament to ban shark fin consumption

    Bite back: Call for Thai Parliament to ban shark fin consumption

    To safeguard marine ecosystems, WildAid and Love Wildlife Foundation penned an open letter to Thailand’s Parliament, urging an immediate halt to the serving and consumption of shark fin. This call to action follows shocking revelations of shark fin soup being dished out at Parliament House, sparking outrage among conservationists and environmentalists alike. In a detailed plea to the President of…

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  • Thailand NewsLost in Translation: Foreign man’s tattoo trouble echoes Hangover II

    Lost in Translation: Foreign man’s tattoo trouble echoes Hangover II

    In a scene that could have been shot in the Hangover II movie, a foreign man turned to social media for help after waking up with a Thai tattoo written across his chest. The meaning of the writing remained unclear to him until Thai netizens stepped in with the answer, which might prompt him to have the tattoo removed. The…

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  • Thailand NewsGoat gala: Trang farmers flock for barnyard costume contest

    Goat gala: Trang farmers flock for barnyard costume contest

    A group of goat farmers gathered in Trang province for a barnyard bash like no other: a goat costume competition. Decked out in dapper cowboy attire and more, these hoofed contenders showcased not only their looks but also their smarts and health. At the Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Learning Center in Kantang District, Trang Province, the inaugural event unfolded with nine…

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  • Things To DoWhat to do in Bangkok this weekend (March 15 – 17)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (March 15 – 17)

    Embark on a captivating journey through Bangkok’s cultural and culinary delights from March 15 to 17. Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Pokémon, savour the nuances of tequila at El Santo, and indulge in a gastronomic adventure at Khum Hom. Discover tranquillity at Santichai Prakan Park and explore the urban jungle at Metro Forest. Don’t just read about it,…

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