Month: August 2024

  • Phuket NewsPatong leaders back legalising sex work for safety and health

    Patong leaders back legalising sex work for safety and health

    Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalisation of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients. President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry. “Thailand is known for its sex industry, yet maintains a hypocritical stance towards…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok airports high-speed rail project hits the brakes

    Bangkok airports high-speed rail project hits the brakes

    The high-speed rail project set to connect Bangkok’s three major airports has been thrown into limbo, as contract amendments grind to a halt. The delay is blamed on the lack of a new chairman for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, a role that must be filled by the incoming Cabinet—still nowhere in sight. The ambitious 276.5-billion-baht project promises…

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  • Thailand NewsTeen killed in Lopburi over jealousy-fueled shooting

    Teen killed in Lopburi over jealousy-fueled shooting

    A 16 year old boy was shot and killed by a 14 year old in Lopburi after the younger boy became jealous over romantic attention towards his girlfriend. The incident occurred yesterday evening. Police received a report at 7.05pm about a shooting at a three-way junction in Ban Nong Krathum, Maha Phot subdistrict, Sa Bot district, Lopburi province. Upon arrival, authorities…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok restaurant owner found dead in car after marital woes

    Bangkok restaurant owner found dead in car after marital woes

    A restaurant owner was found dead inside her car in a secluded alley in Bangkok. Police revealed she had been stressed and upset about her husband’s infidelity. Friends were unable to contact her throughout the day. Police discovered the body of a 21 year old woman, identified as the owner of a restaurant in the Phutthamonthon Sai 5 area, in…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai temple halts 19-metre statue plan after public outcry

    Chiang Mai temple halts 19-metre statue plan after public outcry

    Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai has decided to halt its plan to build the world’s tallest Taowesuwan statue, standing at 19 metres, after facing significant opposition from locals and social media users. The revered temple, located in Mae Hia, Mueang district, had initiated a ceremony to install the giant statue’s feet, intending to provide devotees with a…

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  • Thailand NewsThai government destroys counterfeit goods worth 325 million baht

    Thai government destroys counterfeit goods worth 325 million baht

    Thai officials recently conducted a significant destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods in an effort to combat intellectual property rights violations. The ceremony took place at the Air Defence Command headquarters in Don Mueang, Bangkok, and was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, alongside Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisangpang, Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wuttikrai Leeviraphan,…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok: Thai man arrested for exploiting schoolgirl via dating app

    Bangkok: Thai man arrested for exploiting schoolgirl via dating app

    Police apprehended a man exploiting a 16 year old schoolgirl through a dating app, producing and distributing explicit videos for profit, earning up to 30,000 baht monthly. Bangkok police, led by Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, arrested 25 year old Naphadol, also known as Ohmmy Aklok, under charges of human trafficking and the production or distribution of child pornography. The arrest…

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  • Thailand NewsThai mascot Butterbear mocked with overpriced satirical product

    Thai mascot Butterbear mocked with overpriced satirical product

    A recent online controversy erupted after a Facebook page mocked the beloved mascot Butterbear by selling a satirical product. The item, made from shredded pork floss, was labeled in a disrespectful manner and priced exorbitantly at several hundred baht. Butterbear, a mascot from the Butterbear shop, has become a national favourite, akin to a celebrity. The mascot has appeared on…

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  • Thailand NewsThai king’s son reveals lung infection in candid hospital post

    Thai king’s son reveals lung infection in candid hospital post

    Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, son of the King of Thailand, shared an update about his health while lying in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube. He revealed that he has a lung infection caused by a virus. Vacharaesorn posted a story on his Facebook account yesterday, showing himself in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube in his nose. “Still here,…

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  • Thailand NewsFlood aid dispute in Nan province over meal box distribution

    Flood aid dispute in Nan province over meal box distribution

    Drama unfolded over the distribution of donated meal boxes to flood victims in Nan province yesterday. A heated debate arose after a member of the Facebook group, Original Nan Community Market posted about their frustrating experience trying to obtain food aid. “I braved the floodwaters to request two meal boxes from the Suan Tan Temple foundation. The response I got…

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  • Thailand NewsFood Republic to close last Thai branch on November 22

    Food Republic to close last Thai branch on November 22

    Food Republic’s final branch in Thailand, located at Central Plaza Grand Rama IX, will close its doors on November 22. The company expressed gratitude to its loyal customers in a Facebook post, marking the end of an era for the popular food court chain. Food Republic has been a well-known name in the food court industry, originally hailing from Singapore.…

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  • Thailand NewsIntoxicated Thai man berates MRT rescue team after escalator fall

    Intoxicated Thai man berates MRT rescue team after escalator fall

    A Thai man, reportedly intoxicated, fell down the escalator at Phahon Yothin MRT station, only to berate rescue personnel who came to his aid, claiming to be a high-profile journalist. The incident was reported by a Facebook page, where MRT Phahon Yothin station staff detailed the events. According to the post, the incident occurred around 2pm yesterday when the intoxicated…

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  • Thailand NewsTruck overturns in Chon Buri, injures four due to brake failure

    Truck overturns in Chon Buri, injures four due to brake failure

    A six-wheel truck overturned on the road leading down Pratumnak Hill in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province on Thursday, August 22, causing moderate injuries to four individuals. The driver attributed the accident to brake failure. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center received the report of the overturned truck at 3.46pm. The incident took place near the Bali Hai Pier intersection…

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  • Thailand NewsChon Buri police arrest 100 migrant workers in construction site raid

    Chon Buri police arrest 100 migrant workers in construction site raid

    Chon Buri Immigration Police conducted a significant raid on a construction site yesterday, leading to the arrest of over 100 migrant workers who now face possible deportation. This operation was spearheaded by Police Colonel Napaspong Khositasuriyamanee, Chief of Chon Buri Immigration, and took place in Soi Takhian Tia 20, Takhian Tia subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. During the inspection, the site…

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  • Pattaya NewsFrenchman robbed by transgender individual on Pattaya songthaew

    Frenchman robbed by transgender individual on Pattaya songthaew

    A Frenchman in Pattaya reported being robbed by a transgender individual who slashed his bag and stole his mobile phone before fleeing. Pascat Gaston Pair Francais, a 71 year old French national, filed a complaint with Pattaya police yesterday at 2am. He recounted that while riding a songthaew from Soi Buakhao to Soi 6, someone had secretly slashed his bag…

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  • Thailand NewsDeath toll in Phuket landslide rises to 9, including 2 Russians

    Death toll in Phuket landslide rises to 9, including 2 Russians

    The death toll from the flash flood and landslide in Phuket rose to nine, with two of the deceased being Russian nationals. Ten people were injured while dozens remain missing. The heavy rain from 1am today, August 23, led to a flash flood and landslide in the community near Kitti Sangkatam Temple in the Mueang district of Phuket. The residential area located…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand drafts new law to restructure oil prices

    Thailand drafts new law to restructure oil prices

    Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy announced the completion of a draft law aimed at restructuring oil prices. This law is currently under review by a team of legal and energy experts before being presented to the Cabinet and later to the House of Representatives for consideration. Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga emphasised his commitment to ongoing projects despite the…

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  • Thailand NewsThaksin-era furniture returns as Paetongtarn takes office

    Thaksin-era furniture returns as Paetongtarn takes office

    The iconic furniture from Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration has been reinstated in the Prime Minister’s office, just in time for his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to take the reins as Thailand’s youngest premier. The sofa set and wooden desk, once the centrepieces of the PM’s office during Thaksin’s tenure (2001-2006), were returned today to their original spots in the Thai Khu Fah…

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  • Technology NewsLibertex to take centre stage as Gold Sponsor at iFX EXPO Asia 2024

    Libertex to take centre stage as Gold Sponsor at iFX EXPO Asia 2024

    Multi-award-winning online CFD broker Libertex is set to take a leading role at one of the most anticipated business-to-business (B2B) events of the year in Southeast Asia. A trusted leader in the trading industry with over 25 years of experience, the company has been confirmed as a Gold Sponsor at iFX EXPO Asia 2024. The exhibition, being held at Centara…

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  • Thailand NewsPattaya to co-host Chon Buri music festival this September

    Pattaya to co-host Chon Buri music festival this September

    Pattaya City is preparing to co-host the Chon Buri International Music Festival in the Rain this September at Pattaya Beach. Yesterday, August 22, a meeting took place at Pattaya City Hall, with Mayor Poramase Ngampiches leading the discussions about the festival’s organisation. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a project aimed at boosting tourism in five of Thailand’s most…

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  • Thailand NewsThai police seize crystal meth stash hidden in cement ware

    Thai police seize crystal meth stash hidden in cement ware

    Thai police scored a major win against international drug traffickers after uncovering a massive stash of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) hidden in decorative cement items at Bangkok Port. The drug bust was carried out by the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF) on Wednesday, August 21. During a routine inspection at the Khlong Toei district, officers stumbled upon two suspicious boxes in…

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  • Thailand NewsPolice hunt 3 Thai thieves for Bangkok apartment robbery

    Police hunt 3 Thai thieves for Bangkok apartment robbery

    Police are reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to identify and track down three Thai thieves who stole 50,000 baht in cash, three mobile phones, and a gold bracelet from three victims at an apartment in the Bangkok Yai district today. Officers from the Bangkok Yai Police Station swooped on an apartment room in Soi Charan Sanitwong 12 after the…

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  • Pattaya NewsFare play: Pattaya teens make amends after ride mix-up

    Fare play: Pattaya teens make amends after ride mix-up

    A group of teenagers in Pattaya apologised and compensated a ride-hailing driver after a misunderstanding led to an unpaid fare. The incident came to light when a 25 year old driver for a popular ride-hailing app, Sirawat shared his experience on social media. Sirawat claimed that five teenagers in Pattaya failed to pay him a 70-baht fare. The event occurred…

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  • Thailand NewsThai SMEs eye US e-commerce payday after major Amazon deal

    Thai SMEs eye US e-commerce payday after major Amazon deal

    Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to cash in on the lucrative US e-commerce market following a groundbreaking deal inked between the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Amazon Global Selling (AGS). The partnership, formalised during the TOPTHAI Cross-Border e-Commerce Day 2024, aims to turbocharge the e-commerce export capabilities of Thai businesses, opening doors to the US$1.1…

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  • CannabisEverything you need to know about cannabis in Thailand

    Everything you need to know about cannabis in Thailand

    As Thailand’s recreational cannabis use is set to be banned at the end of 2024, the country’s key focus is shifting towards healthcare workers and research institutions. This rapid change in the cannabis market presents both challenges and opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. In this fast environment, understanding the latest development and potential implications is crucial for making business decisions.…

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  • Business NewsCommerce Ministry promotes Thai SELECT restaurants

    Commerce Ministry promotes Thai SELECT restaurants

    The Commerce Ministry launched prototype Thai SELECT restaurants to boost Thailand’s soft power on a global scale. Celebrating its 104th anniversary, the ministry hosted the Driving the Thai Economy with Soft Power exhibition, led by caretaker Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, on the forecourt of its building. Phumtham emphasised the ministry’s dedication to enacting policies aimed at accelerating economic recovery. These…

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  • Thailand NewsThai airlines gear up for massive fleet expansions

    Thai airlines gear up for massive fleet expansions

    Thailand’s airlines are preparing for a massive fleet expansion as the global aviation industry rebounds at full throttle after the Covid-19 pandemic. With air travel poised to double by 2043, as predicted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Thai carriers are seizing the opportunity to dominate the skies. Thai Airways International (THAI), the country’s national airline, is leading the…

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  • Business NewsThailand opens first semiconductor R&D centre

    Thailand opens first semiconductor R&D centre

    King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) has inaugurated Thailand’s first comprehensive semiconductor technology research and development centre, setting the stage for the nation’s enhanced role in the global supply chain. The KMITL Academy of Innovative Semiconductor Manufacturing (KAISEM) will function as a central laboratory, uniting experts from diverse fields to collaborate on semiconductor research, innovation, and electronic manufacturing processes.…

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  • Thailand NewsThai teacher suspected of creating explicit images of schoolgirls

    Thai teacher suspected of creating explicit images of schoolgirls

    Thai schoolgirls in the southern province of Pattalung suspected their male teacher of creating explicit images of them and sharing them on the Instagram application. A schoolgirl and her parents filed a complaint at Khok Cha-ngai Police Station today, August 23, after she came across nude images of herself on Instagram. She brought the matter to teachers but the school…

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  • Thailand NewsThai Art Toy Fest comes to Bangkok this weekend

    Thai Art Toy Fest comes to Bangkok this weekend

    The IconSiam shopping complex is the place to be this weekend as the Thai Art Toy Fest kicks off tomorrow. The exhibition showcases Thailand’s rich heritage, all through the lens of art toys. Brought to you by a powerhouse collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), IconSiam, and DDD Collectible Art Toys, the event will feature over 80 art…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand on track to invest 77 billion baht in new light rail systems

    Thailand on track to invest 77 billion baht in new light rail systems

    Plans are underway for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to introduce a light rail system in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok, with an overall budget of 77 billion baht. MRTA Deputy Governor Wittaya Phanmongkol revealed that the estimated costs of the projects are 35 billion baht for Phuket, 30 billion baht for Chiang Mai, 7…

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  • Thailand NewsPlane to see: Suspicions surround Chachoengsao plane crash

    Plane to see: Suspicions surround Chachoengsao plane crash

    Details surrounding the small plane crash in Chachoengsao have begun to emerge, revealing several suspicious factors. It was reported that the weather was fair on the day of the incident, with no rain clouds and the captain was very experienced. It took some 11 hours for rescue teams to search for the bodies of all those onboard a small plane…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man accuses cop of assault after he honked truck horn (video)

    Thai man accuses cop of assault after he honked truck horn (video)

    A Thai man accused a police officer in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, of physically assaulting him, even though he did not violate any laws and only honked his truck horn to greet a passing friend. The Thai truck driver shared a video on Facebook, where he and his girlfriend were seen arguing with a traffic police officer from the…

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  • Politics NewsThaksin drops bombshell on fallout with Prawit

    Thaksin drops bombshell on fallout with Prawit

    Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has finally broken his silence on the real reason behind his dramatic fallout with General Prawit Wongsuwan, the ex-military strongman and current leader of the embattled Palang Pracharath Party. During a question-and-answer session following his keynote speech on Thailand’s future at an event hosted by The Nation media group last night, Thaksin spilled the…

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  • Business News19 firms request SEC approval for investment tokens

    19 firms request SEC approval for investment tokens

    Nineteen companies, primarily in real estate and software, notified the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of their intent to secure funding through investment tokens as per the Digital Asset Act. The Deputy Secretary-General of the SEC, Jomkwan Kongsakul, confirmed that these 19 firms are currently in pre-consultation with the commission to explore fundraising via investment tokens. Three companies have already…

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  • Thailand NewsPattaya’s boat show bonanza: Mayor inspects preparations

    Pattaya’s boat show bonanza: Mayor inspects preparations

    Pattaya is gearing up for a nautical spectacle that promises to put it on the world map as a leading maritime destination. The Pattaya Water Sports Club unveiled the ambitious plans for the Pattaya Boat Show 2025 to Mayor Poramet Ngampichet at City Hall on August 20, setting the stage for a truly world-class event. Scheduled to take place at…

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  • Thailand NewsMysterious shadow resembling face haunts Thai plane crash site

    Mysterious shadow resembling face haunts Thai plane crash site

    Rescue workers experienced a chilling moment when a mysterious shadow resembling a face appeared while they were digging for human remains from an aeroplane crash that claimed nine lives. This incident, shared widely on social media, has captivated netizens and sparked numerous reactions. A rescue worker from Bang Pakong named Jairak Pitakchip, yesterday, August 22, shared a photograph on social…

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