Month: May 2024
- Retire in Thailand
Rural vs city retirement: Costs, healthcare, and lifestyle compared
Picking the perfect spot to retire in Thailand is like choosing between a cosy blanket and a thrilling book; both have their charms! If you’re mulling over this big step, it’s cool to weigh up the laid-back vibes of rural areas against the lively buzz of its cities. Fancy a quiet nook surrounded by nature? After retirement, rural Thailand could…
Read More » - Thailand News
Car accident in Chachoengsao kills father and daughter
In a tragic turn of events, a father and his 3 year old daughter were killed in a road accident today near Chachoengsao when their car lost control and struck an electric pole. Both were found lifeless, the father holding his daughter tightly in a final embrace. At the scene, emergency responders discovered a black Toyota Camry with Bangkok license…
Read More » - Lifestyle
Your ultimate guide to the new Jungceylon Phuket
Have you been to the revamped Jungceylon Shopping Centre Phuket yet? After undergoing extensive renovations, the mall finally launched its fresh new look in October 2023. And we have to admit, it is now better than ever. Today, it boasts a new identity as “The Oasis of Shopping,” with a refreshed shopping experience (over 300 stores!), upgraded services, and fun…
Read More » - Business News
Bitcoin ETFs close with largest discounts due to crypto plunge
The largest spot-Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) closed today with significant discounts to their underlying asset values, the biggest since their inception. This disparity emerged when the cryptocurrency plunged to its lowest in two months, consequently affecting the ETFs’ Bitcoin value tracking. The iShares Bitcoin Trust, a US$16 billion fund, closed approximately 1.7% below its net asset value. Other funds like…
Read More » - Thailand News
AstraZeneca vaccine linked to blood clots in 7 Thai recipients
The Department of Disease Control announced that out of the 20 million Thai citizens who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, seven developed blood clots, with two resulting in fatalities. These adverse effects were confirmed to occur within 42 days post-inoculation. Today the Director-General of the Disease Control Department, Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, spoke about the vaccine’s side effects, emphasising that the incidences of…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Illegal chemical warehouse in Ayutthaya razed by overnight inferno
An inferno swept through an unauthorised chemical warehouse in Phachi, Ayutthaya, leading to the combustion of over four tonnes of impounded chemical waste. Thai media outlets first broke the news of the fire at 6pm, yesterday, May 1, depicting a scene of roaring flames and a thick blanket of chemical smoke suffocating the area. The pungent smell that pervaded the…
Read More » - Thailand News
28 year old Thai woman poses as child to avoid theft charges
A 28 year old Thai woman lied about her age, claiming she was 13 years old, in an attempt to avoid charges for repeated thefts in the central province of Nonthaburi. The victim, 43 year old Sakorn Ployphan, filed a complaint at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station. His wife’s phone, car keys, amulets, wallet, and other belongings were stolen earlier that…
Read More » - Thailand News
Massive meth lab busted in Suphan Buri with 4 million pills seized
A clandestine methamphetamine production operation was dismantled in Suphan Buri, Thailand, after a joint police raid, resulting in the seizure of over four million methamphetamine pills and the arrest of two key suspects. Late yesterday, under the management of high-ranking officers including the Region 7 Chief of Police and his deputies, along with the Suphan Buri Provincial Police, a covert…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chon Buri eatery owner hires man overcharged for rice & eggs dish
A Chon Buri eatery owner offered a job to an unemployed man and his young son, who were the focus of a viral story involving an overpriced two-egg rice dish. The compassionate gesture won the hearts of netizens who came across the owner’s social media post searching for the struggling pair. Following a widely criticized incident where a jobless father…
Read More » - Thailand News
Star-struck: Lottery hopefuls seek guidance from astrologer
Astrological forecasts hold a special allure for many, and today’s predictions by the renowned astrologer Dr Chang Thotsaporn are a hot topic as lottery results are eagerly awaited. Dr Chang highlighted that individuals born under five zodiac signs are poised for a financial boost, with good news and a stroke of luck in the fortune department. This comes just as…
Read More » - Thailand News
Gold ornament prices leap to 41,200 baht in surprise surge
Gold prices soared unexpectedly, prompting swift action from interested buyers, as the latest figures from the Gold Traders Association (GTA) showed a significant jump. Today, gold ornaments’ selling price broke through to 41,200 baht per baht-weight, an increase of 350 baht from the previous day’s closing price. The surge in gold prices is not just an isolated economic event but…
Read More » - Phuket News
Growing drug problem grips Phuket as arrests increase by 6.21%
Phuket, an island mainly known for its tourism, is grappling with an escalating drug problem, according to the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre committee. The drug issue has seen a 6.21% increase between October last year and March this year, with 1,335 arrests made in 78 drug-related cases, excluding kratom and marijuana. The report, presented during a recent…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pet peeve: Thai man eats dog in rage after it bit nephew (video)
Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT) filed a lawsuit against a Thai man in the northern province of Chiang Mai for brutally killing and eating his pet dog in a fit of rage after it bit his seven year old nephew. A WDT representative filed a complaint at Sankampaeng Police Station yesterday, May 1, that the Thai man, later identified as 42…
Read More » - Thailand News
Health concerns rise with high mitragynine kratom drinks
Public health officials issued a stern warning regarding the rising trend of kratom-infused drinks, highlighting that these beverages may contain dangerously high levels of mitragynine, a compound found in the kratom plant. The Department of Medical Sciences, after conducting safety tests across various regions in March, revealed that all 52 samples of kratom-mixed beverages contained mitragynine levels ranging from 22…
Read More » - Thailand News
Severe drought hits Uthai Thani, farms and buffalos at risk
Thailand’s Uthai Thani province is grappling with its most severe drought in decades, with temperatures soaring between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius and a prolonged absence of rain. The drought has reached a critical point, affecting several districts and causing a widespread scarcity of water for both consumption and agricultural use. The situation has escalated to the point where it…
Read More » - Business News
Thai govt cancels VAT exemption for low-priced imported goods
The digital economy’s growth in Thailand led to a surge in trade on foreign online platforms, which has caused considerable disruption for local businesses. The local market has been flooded with cheap Chinese products, putting domestic entrepreneurs at a disadvantage and unable to compete on price. This situation has prompted many to fade away, compelling the government to take action.…
Read More » - Business News
Thai-tanic surge: Thailand investment pledges make waves
According to data released by the Board of Investment (BOI) today, Thailand’s investment pledges surged 31% in the first quarter of 2024. This promising growth was recorded in comparison to the corresponding period of last year. The information revealed that the aggregate value of all investment applications in the first three months, leading up to March, soared to 228 billion baht…
Read More » - Thailand News
Laotian man loses gold necklaces while sleeping drunk in Pattaya (video)
A Laotian man is seeking public help after losing two gold necklaces worth about 80,000 baht while sleeping off the after-effects of drunkenness on a footpath in Pattaya. The 37 year old Laotian man urged Channel 3 to share his story to seek a clue leading to the apprehension of the gold necklace thief. The man also issued a warning to…
Read More » - Business News
Thai banks reduce loan rates to alleviate customer debt
The four biggest banks in the country have all declared a drop in their loan interest rates. This decision by Bangkok Bank (BBL), Krungthai Bank (KTB), Kasikornbank (KBank), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is a response to the prime minister’s call to lessen loan rates to help ease the debt pressure on susceptible customers. An anonymous banking sector analyst opines…
Read More » - Crime News
Pattani shootout ends with two suspects dead, one officer injured
A deadly confrontation unfolded in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani, southern Thailand, where a four-hour gunfight resulted in the deaths of two suspects and left one officer injured. This violent exchange occurred yesterday, May 1, at a rented house under surveillance for harbouring individuals wanted by the law. The incident concluded with the discovery of two deceased, identified as Masobree…
Read More » - Thailand News
Boom boom: Thailand ranked in top 10 for sex workers globally
The International Union of Sex Workers (IUSW) reports that Thailand is one of the countries with the highest number of sex workers, at 250,000. Despite the number, sex workers in the country remain illegal and continue to struggle for basic labour rights. The IUSW released global sex industry statistics under the topic, Sex Worker Statistics by Country, Gender. The report,…
Read More » - Business News
Thai renewable energy industry urges govt to revise trade system
The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club urged the government to revise the country’s electricity trade system from the longstanding enhanced single buyer (ESB) model, arguing it hampers the growth of renewable energy. The ESB structure, which designates the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as the sole entity that sells electricity to the public, is seen as…
Read More » - Thailand video news
Thailand Video News | American YouTuber attacks girlfriend for ‘content’, Ex-executive kicks police in the face during traffic stop
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay delve into the various stories across Thailand. Beginning with Microsoft recently launching its first regional data center in Thailand, aiming to enhance cloud and AI capabilities. However, amid technological advancements, troubling incidents unfold across the country. An American YouTuber faces assault allegations, a Laotian tourist is robbed in Pattaya, and a former…
Read More » - Thailand News
Businesswoman gifts 100 million baht estate to Thai cleaner
A businesswoman in Thailand tragically ended her life using a firearm next to the pool of her luxurious villa on Koh Samui. Before her death, the 59 year old woman named Catherine, astonishingly bequeathed her entire estate, valued at 100 million baht, to her devoted housekeeper, following a cancer diagnosis. The circumstances surrounding her suicide remain a mystery, as CCTV…
Read More » - Business News
IBM Thailand Director emphasises AI’s impact on economy
As Thailand grapples with geopolitical conflicts, economic barriers, and technological disruptions, the newly appointed managing director of IBM Thailand shared his vision for the nation’s future. Anothai Wettayakorn emphasised the critical importance of focusing on controllable factors in a complex world and said that strategic planning and positivity could bring about positive change. Anothai went on to highlight the exceptional convergence…
Read More » - Politics News
Bangkok Council signs MOU with Kunming City Council to enhance cooperation in various fields
Wirat Meenchainunt, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Chayada Vipattipumiprates, The First Vice-Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, along with members of the Bangkok Council and relevant government officials paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Kunming City People’s Council and attended the signing ceremony of the revised Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation and Friendly Relations (MOU)…
Read More » - Business News
Jorakay to invest 300 million baht in Vietnam factory
Jorakay Corporation, a renowned producer of tile adhesive, grouting products, and various construction chemicals under the Crocodile brand, announced intentions to invest 300 million baht in a Vietnam factory in 2028. The investment is earmarked for the establishment of a factory in Vietnam, driven by robust demand and the company’s aspiration to expand its export reach to the Philippines and…
Read More » - Phuket News
Unidentified foreign woman’s body found on Phuket beach
In Phuket, a foreign woman’s body was discovered floating in the waters off Freedom Beach yesterday. Karon police received word of the grim find around 2.45pm. A subsequent recovery mission was swiftly assembled, with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers utilising a rubber dinghy to retrieve the body and transport it ashore near Nong Harn Lake in Karon. The deceased is thought…
Read More » - Thailand News
Russian man found dead in Bangkok canal with multiple cuts
Locals discovered the dead body of a Russian man in the Hua Lamphong Canal in Bangkok yesterday. He bore more than 10 cut wounds on his wrists. Officers from the Bangrak Police Station investigated the body of the Russian man at around 8am yesterday. Locals in the area spotted the body in the Hua Lamphong Canal near Soi Santiphap in…
Read More » - Technology News
Unlock the future with ChatGPT 5: Release date and breakthrough features unveiled
As the AI community and technology enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of ChatGPT 5, there is a growing buzz around what OpenAI’s latest iteration will bring to conversational AI. Given OpenAI’s track record of pioneering advancements in this field, it’s understandable why the potential launch has garnered significant attention. Although the exact release date remains undisclosed, insights from industry insiders…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thai tourism industry supports reintroduction of 300 baht tourist fee
Tourism industry stakeholders in Thailand voiced their support for the reintroduction of a 300 baht fee for incoming tourists, viewing it as crucial for generating funds for tourism development. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) intends to discuss the project’s necessity with Sermsak Pongpanich, the incoming tourism minister. Surawat Akaraworamat, TCT’s Vice President, said that the Thai Chamber of Commerce…
Read More » - Thailand News
American YouTuber swings from fame to shame in Thailand
Police arrested an American YouTuber at his home in Pattaya yesterday after he physically assaulted his Thai girlfriend by hitting her with a golf club. The man claimed the attack was staged for a video on his YouTube channel. The Thai woman, 20 year old Kanittha, and her younger sister sought assistance from a 55 year old maid named Anchulee…
Read More » - Thailand News
South Africa and Thailand boosts agricultural ties
The agricultural sector has become a significant beneficiary of the thriving bilateral relationship between Thailand and South Africa, revealed South Africa’s Ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Africa in a recent interview. This conversation was held to commemorate three decades of South African democracy and the bilateral relationship between the two nations including a strengthening of agricultural ties. Africa underscored the positive…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Northern Thailand braces for severe summer storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced severe summer storms are set to strike northern Thailand. The storms are expected to impact the region from tomorrow, May 3 to May 7, bringing heavy rains, hail in some areas, and strong gusts of wind. Residents are urged to be cautious and avoid open spaces, large trees, weak structures, and billboards that may…
Read More » - Technology News
Thailand’s govt backs AI industry and boosts digital infrastructure
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is ready to support the AI industry and enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. The statement was made at the Microsoft Build: AI Day Event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where he welcomed around 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders. “AI has changed many aspects of our lives, workplaces, and business…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Influenza outbreak in Thailand prison infects over 3,000 inmates
A devastating influenza outbreak at Nakhon Si Thammarat prison in Thailand has infected almost 3,500 inmates, leading to two fatalities, as reported by public health officials. The prison in Phra Phom district was inspected by a team led by Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, who confirmed the outbreak. From April 19 to April 28, 3,442…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket tourism industry hit by escalating water shortage
Phuket‘s tourism sector is grappling with an escalating water shortage crisis, as hotel operators face rising costs due to the scarcity. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the Phuket Tourist Association President, yesterday, May 1, called on the government for a sustainable solution to the annual water deficits. He cited that the primary reservoirs, Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, are currently…
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