Month: April 2024
- Thailand News
Fake gold sales soar as Thai baht-weight hits 40,000 baht record
Gold prices have recently skyrocketed, touching a record high of 40,000 baht per baht-weight, prompting a surge in sales for fake gold shops as genuine gold becomes less accessible for many consumers. Amidst these soaring prices, the allure of fake gold that doesn’t tarnish but cannot be pawned has captured a diverse customer base, from luxury car drivers to factory…
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Thai man arrested for murder of his 10 year old daughter
Police arrested a Thai man who murdered his 10 year old daughter at a resort in the northern province of Uttaradit. He admitted to killing his daughter and attempting suicide but was too afraid to go through with it. The dead body of the 10 year old girl, Napat, was discovered at a resort on Tuesday, April 9. Her father,…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Summer storm warning for upper Thailand
A fierce summer storm is currently impacting upper Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. The department advises the public to avoid open areas, take precautions, and stay up-to-date with the latest weather reports. The clash of a high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South…
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Thailand’s cybercrime problem persists despite efforts
Thailand’s digital economy and society (DES) minister, Prasert Jantararuangthong, revealed that despite efforts to curb cybercrime, the problem remains rampant with damages averaging 100 million baht daily. The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), set up to address this issue, is yet to see a decline in the number of cases. The ongoing scams are attributed to the scammers’ increasingly sophisticated…
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70 year old Thai rapist accuses teen victim of faking rape for cash
A 70 year old Thai rapist accused his 13 year old victim and her mother of faking a sexual assault case to extort money from him. The victim’s mother sought help from the Investigation Division of Metropolitan Bureau (IDMB) after learning that her daughter was repeatedly raped by the 70 Thai man, Piw, over a five-year period since she was…
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Motorcyclist nabbed for late-night theft of Ganesha statue
Police apprehended a young motorcyclist who stole a brass statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha from the front of a prominent shopping mall. The suspect claimed a spiritual connection with the deity, insisting he only intended to worship the figure due to its inspirational qualities. Despite his story sounding implausible today, the police team led by Police Colonel Peerapong Rawangban,…
Read More » - Business News
Thai industries fear trade slump due to Myanmar conflict
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) voiced concerns over the escalating armed conflict in Myanmar, predicting a further slump in border trade and a surge in illegal workers from Myanmar into Thailand. The Thailand-Myanmar border trade, valued annually at 100 billion baht (US$2.7 billion), tends to suffer whenever conflict escalates, according to Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. “There are…
Read More » - Business News
BoT holds policy rate, predicts consistent economic growth
The Bank of Thailand has kept the policy rate steady at 2.5% during its latest meeting, rejecting governmental calls for a decrease. The decision, marking the third consecutive meeting with no change, is based on the Thai economy’s consistent growth, which has already exceeded 2023 levels. Piti Disyatat, the secretary of the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), stated…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism sector set to generate 614 billion baht in Q2
Despite the second quarter often being perceived as the off-peak season, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates that the country’s tourism sector will generate a revenue of 614 billion baht (US$ 16.7 billion). This optimistic prediction is attributed to a surge in domestic trips during the Songkran festivities scheduled for this month, which are set to surpass the number…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai government’s 500-billion-baht digital wallet scheme launches this quarter
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that the government’s 500-billion-baht digital wallet initiative will be launched in full swing in the fourth quarter to stimulate economic growth. This flagship policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party plans to distribute 10,000 baht to 50 million Thai citizens for spending within their local communities over six months. PM Srettha, who also serves…
Read More » - Environment News
Chiang Mai to declare PM2.5 crisis areas as disaster relief zones
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Phongsitthithawon announced that any area experiencing a PM2.5 dust pollution crisis of Level 2 or higher would be declared a disaster relief area, entitling it to emergency aid. He explained that a Level 2 crisis is declared when the average amount of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres exceeds 150 microgrammes per cubic metre for…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s PM demands swift return of cadmium waste to Tak
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has demanded the swift return of cadmium waste discovered in various locations to its original location in Tak before the end of the month. Government spokesperson Chai Watcharonke announced the decision following a meeting between the prime minister, Industry Ministry representatives, and executives of Bound & Beyond Plc, which owns the cadmium tailings. The company has…
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Thai-Cambodian MoU under scrutiny for constitutional violation
The Thai-Cambodian Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand, signed in 2001, is now under scrutiny for potential violation of the Thai constitution. Paiboon Nititawan, Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) deputy leader, has requested the Office of the Ombudsman to petition the Constitutional Court to examine the MoU’s legality. Paiboon’s petition argues that the MoU was…
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The ultimate guide to VPNs for Thailand: Security, streaming, and speed
People in Thailand may want to use VPNs for different reasons. These reasons may include viewing the sites they want to access in their country or certain security concerns. Whatever the case, using a VPN is quite easy and involves a few very simple steps. If you live in Thailand and you are not sure how to use a VPN,…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s…
Read More » - Thailand News
Move Forward Party’s fate hangs in balance
The Constitutional Court is set to discuss extending the deadline for the Move Forward Party (MFP) to submit its defence in a crucial dissolution case. Sources revealed that President Nakharin Mektrairat announced that the court will convene next Tuesday, April 16, to mull over the pivotal decision of granting a 15-day extension. Nakharin hinted at the likelihood of the court…
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Bangkok raids seize 12,000 e-cigarettes near schools
Bangkok shops located near schools were targeted in a series of raids that resulted in the seizure of an estimated 12,000 e-cigarettes. With a retail value of approximately 3.6 million baht, these cigarettes were found across five different establishments. The investigation took place last night and involved three stores on Soi Ratchadaphisek in Chatuchak district, one on Soi Lat Phrao…
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The ins and outs of remote sensing applications in Thailand
The advent of remote sensing technology, which allows observing and measuring Earth’s features from a distance, reshaped how we learn about the environment and deepened our understanding of the planet’s inner workings. Thailand was the first among Southeast Asian countries to recognize the critical role of remote sensing and actively integrate it into natural resources inventorying and environmental monitoring. 1971…
Read More » - Thailand News
Vietnam’s tourism website triumphs over Thailand
Vietnam’s national tourism promotion website, vietnam.travel, has emerged victorious, outshining Thailand’s counterpart and climbing above numerous regional competitors. According to March rankings by the prestigious website rating platform SimilarWeb, vietnam.travel seized the impressive spot of #132,676 globally, overtaking Thailand’s travel hub ranked at #136,108. The Philippines trails at #808,295 and Malaysia lags at #881,886 in its wake. The triumph doesn’t…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai tree felling tragedy claims motorcycle rider’s life
A Thai man was felling a neem tree along the roadside when it collapsed onto a passing motorcycle rider, resulting in his death in the central province of Suphan Buri. A motorist came across the injured Thai man, later identified as 24 year old Kritsana Siangjaew, on the Liab Klong Chonlaprathan Road in the Uthong district of Suphan Buri province…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai construction firm ITD seeks additional financial backing
Financially beleaguered construction company Italian-Thai Development (ITD) hopes to receive more financial backing from lenders to complete over 100 ongoing construction tasks while also vying for additional projects from the now active 2024 fiscal budget. ITD, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), has plans in the pipeline to offload its non-performing assets, including Asia-Pacific Potash Corp. Meanwhile, a…
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Wedding guest scam ruins dream ceremony in Thailand
A tale of deceit and dashed dreams emerged when a 41 year old British woman conned friends, including a bridesmaid, out of thousands for a Thailand wedding. The scandal unravelled just days before Elaine and Marc Walker’s nuptials, leaving the bride’s mother footing the bill for guests’ flights. In a twist of events, 41 year old Natalie Green was instructed…
Read More » - Thailand News
Hong Kong Songkran festival celebrations relocated
The water-splashing festivities of Thailand’s Songkran festival, hosted in Hong Kong’s Kowloon City, are set to make a splash in a new venue – a basketball court. This change came hot on the heels of last year’s arrests of three individuals for dousing police officers and reporters at the event. Kowloon City district officer Alice Choi Man-kwan disclosed that participants…
Read More » - Thailand News
Traveloka and Hong Kong Tourism Board collaborate
Traveloka and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have forged an alliance aimed at showcasing the wonders of Hong Kong to eager travellers from Thailand and beyond. This collaboration, anticipated to skyrocket tourism figures, promises to position Hong Kong as the ultimate hotspot for adventurous souls seeking new experiences. The resurgence of Hong Kong’s tourism sector post-border reopening has been…
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Gas truck flip scatters cylinders on Kanchanaphisek Expressway
A gas truck overturned on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway, scattering cylinders across the road and causing significant traffic disruption. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8.30am today, April 10, resulted in one injury and a traffic standstill that lasted nearly two hours. Chaos ensued early this morning on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway when a truck carrying a multitude of gas cylinders lost…
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Air Canada and TAT amp up Vancouver to Bangkok flights
Air Canada, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is ramping up its seasonal Vancouver to Bangkok flights. In partnership with TAT, the Canadian airline powerhouse, a founding member of the Star Alliance network, has announced the eagerly anticipated return of its Vancouver to Bangkok service. Kicking off earlier than ever on October 27, this strategic move comes…
Read More » - Thailand News
Suicide or foul play: Mystery surrounds man’s death in Bangkok (video)
Police are investigating the mysterious death of a Thai man who allegedly committed suicide soon after a drunken row with his Burmese wife. The Thai man bit his Burmese wife’s lip before allegedly committing suicide by setting himself on fire at their shared home in the Saimai district of Bangkok on April 7. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain…
Read More » - Thailand News
Homeless man’s reign of terror sparks concern in Sattahip
In a corner near the junction of Highway 332 and J-Intersection-Kasemphop Road, Bang Saray, Sattahip, a temporary abode has been claimed by a violent 55 year old homeless man. Responding to distress calls, law enforcement officers swooped in to confront the unidentified vagabond, after reports flooded in of his erratic and alarming behaviour. Witnesses recounted harrowing tales of the man…
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Nex Point Plc and Toyota Group unveil hydrgen-powered trucks
In a move towards greener transportation solutions, commercial electric vehicle (EV) giant Nex Point Plc has joined forces with Toyota Tsusho and Denso from Japan to pioneer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) trucks in Thailand. This groundbreaking memorandum of understanding aims to revolutionise the country’s transport sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Khanist Srivajiraprabha highlighted the significance of applying…
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Koh Chang durian prices soar to 250 baht amid production drop
A surge in demand for the famed Chanee Koh Chang durian from Trat Province has seen prices starting at 250 baht per kilogramme. With a reported production drop of 30% due to unpredictable weather, local farmers are busy selling the highly sought-after fruit both in-store and online. Phuttiphong Phothipanich, an agricultural officer from Koh Chang, Trat Province, inspected the first…
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PM Srettha’s surprise visit unveils mega airport upgrades
PM Srettha, making his third unannounced appearance, scrutinised Suvarnabhumi Airport’s operations firsthand, focusing on enhancements crucial for managing the surge in passenger traffic expected during the traditional Thai New Year festivities from April 12 to 15. Sharing his insights on X post-visit, the 62 year old PM applauded noticeable improvements across various services, from streamlined traffic flow at the airport’s…
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Sting operation: Hong Kong duo nabbed in Bangkok mall scam bust
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) coordinated with mobile operator AIS in the arrest of two Hong Kong men who attempted to defraud people in a shopping mall in Bangkok by sending scam messages using a StingRay device. CCIB officers, also known as the Cyber Police, were alerted to the scam messages by users of the AIS mobile operator. The…
Read More » - World News
Amid economic turbulence, Malaysia’s illicit trade crackdown must stay the course
After an economically disappointing 2023, Malaysia faces further headwinds due to global economic and political uncertainties. New research published in late March has identified the country’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) among the Southeast Asian megaprojects affected by a $50 billion gap between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) commitments and delivery for the region. Reflecting the broader ASEAN growth…
Read More » - Business News
Thai govt plans huge digital wallet handout to boost economy
The Pheu Thai Party government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is set to roll out a massive digital wallet handout scheme worth 500 billion baht (US$13.75 billion) in the fourth quarter of this year. The scheme, which is designed to stimulate economic activity, involves transferring a sum of 10,000 baht (US$275) to 50 million Thai citizens, intended to be…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pattaya plagued by motorcycle wheel thieves
A criminal gang is targeting motorcycle wheels in a recent surge of thefts in Pattaya. The brazen escapades of the gang have left the community on edge, with urgent pleas for police intervention. The shocking incident unfolded at Government Housing Na Jomtien Village, captured in chilling detail by closed-circuit television cameras. The footage, which swiftly made rounds on social media,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Airfares drop for popular domestic routes ahead of Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a decrease in airfares for three popular domestic routes by 3.8% to 14% starting this Friday, in line with the Songkran festival. The fares for the six airlines offering flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket have been set at a maximum of 3,000 baht (US$80) per one-way trip. The anticipated fares for…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Severe summer storm wreaks havoc in Phichit, Thailand
A severe summer storm recently ravaged Phichit province in Thailand, causing extensive damage to homes, religious sites, and infrastructure. The storm, which struck yesterday evening, particularly impacted three districts: Bang Mun Nak, Dong Charoen, and Taphan Hin. The powerful storm toppled trees, snapped utility poles, and sent roofs flying, resulting in widespread power outages that lasted through the night. The…
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