Month: August 2024
- Business News
Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement expected by next year
A free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is anticipated to be finalised by next year, according to officials from Canada and Thailand involved in the discussions. Surin Thanalertkul, the Canadian embassy trade commissioner, along with Martin Sullivan, senior market development officer of the Canada Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO), discussed the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Maha Sarakham abbot defrocked for meth use after drug test
Police in Maha Sarakham arrested the abbot of Wat Nong Sim Yai after a drug test revealed methamphetamine (meth) use. The abbot admitted to using the drug, claiming curiosity as his motive. Local officials from the Borabue district received complaints from residents about possible drug-related activities involving monks at Wat Nong Sim Yai. Responding to these concerns, they tested four…
Read More » - Crime News
Thai police seize 110kg of drugs in major bust in Songkhla
Thai police intercepted a major drug trafficking operation yesterday, seizing 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and 10 kilogrammes of ketamine hidden in a vehicle bearing deceptive Attorney General’s Office stickers. The bust occurred in Songkhla province and involved both Thai and Malaysian nationals. The Region 9 Police Investigation Unit, led by Thanawat Saengsui, executed the operation on a bridge over…
Read More » - Travel
22 best apps for travelling in Thailand
Planning a trip to Thailand in 2024? You are among many travellers. With over 39 million tourists visiting Thailand in 2019, it remains a top global travel destination. Whether you are exploring Bangkok’s vibrant streets, relaxing on Phuket’s beaches, or trekking through Chiang Mai, the right apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. This article highlights the 22 best apps…
Read More » - Health
Health insurance tips for foreigners moving to Thailand
Health insurance for foreigners in Thailand is crucial due to the high costs of medical treatment. Evaluating your needs is essential for selecting the right policy. Consider inpatient and outpatient care, along with maternity care if necessary. Coverage regions should be either worldwide or specific to ASEAN or Thailand. Those with pre-existing conditions need plans that include these treatments. How…
Read More » - Thailand News
Floods displace 500 households in Nan, severe damage reported
Floods have caused significant damage in the northern province of Nan, affecting eight districts and displacing over 500 households. The heavy rain led to rapid rises in river levels, particularly impacting Thawngpha district where residents struggled to evacuate their belongings in time. The province of Nan is facing a severe flood crisis, with eight districts now affected. These districts include…
Read More » - Politics News
Digital wallet scheme to offer cash option for vulnerable groups
The digital wallet policy conundrum, promoted by the Pheu Thai Party, has taken a new turn, with vulnerable residents potentially receiving 10,000 baht in cash rather than digital currency. Following the leadership change, rumours about the possible cancellation of the digital wallet scheme raised concern among those eagerly anticipating the funds. Many were worried that the new Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
Read More » - Thailand News
Police seize nearly 2 million meth pills in Saraburi drug bust
Saraburi Highway police intercepted a drug trafficking operation, seizing nearly 2 million methamphetamine (meth) pills from a pickup truck in Nong Khae district, Saraburi province. Officers patrolling Highway 2044 near Raphiphat Canal noticed a suspicious grey pickup truck on Tuesday, August 20. When signalled to stop, the driver sped away, eventually abandoning the vehicle in Chonprathan Soi 1 and fleeing…
Read More » - Crime News
Woman’s body found near pond in Khon Kaen, police investigating
A woman’s body with painted red nails was discovered near a pond, her neck showing signs of strangulation. The police are investigating whether it was a concealed murder. The body has been sent for an autopsy, and efforts are underway to locate her relatives. Police in Khon Kaen province are investigating the death of a woman found near a pond…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Pattaya motorbike taxi driver arrested for selling kratom juice
Police in Pattaya detained a female motorbike taxi driver on Monday for selling unauthorised kratom juice, aiming to mitigate financial strains during Thailand’s economic difficulties. The arrest was made on Soi Phothisan 1/1 in the Naklua area, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Police officers yesterday, August 19, apprehended Sirikaset, a 60 year old motorcycle taxi driver, who was found…
Read More » - Crime News
Aggressive driver terrorises women at Buriram training centre (video)
A man in his mid-forties drove a black Ford Everest aggressively into a university, verbally abusing a group of women aged around 50, claiming they had cut him off while driving. The police are now investigating the incident. Yesterday, August 21, a group of residents from Thai Charoen, Moo 4, Hu Thanop, Pakam district, Buriram province, filed a report at…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Thunderstorms predicted for 33 provinces with heavy rain in the north
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) predicted thunderstorms tomorrow in 33 provinces, with the northern region seeing the heaviest rainfall, affecting 80% of the area. Continuous heavy rain is expected, with warnings of potential flash floods and landslides. TMD issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, predicting continuous rainfall in many areas of the upper northern region. Heavy…
Read More » - Crime News
Police seize over one million methamphetamine pills in Sakon Nakhon
Police in Sakon Nakhon Province seized over one million methamphetamine pills, thanks to a tip-off from locals. The seizure took place yesterday, August 21, at the Border Patrol Police Division 23 headquarters, where officials reported the details of the operation. On the previous day, Border Patrol Police Companies 235 and 236 received intelligence about a drug trafficking operation. The traffickers…
Read More » - Road deaths
Motorcycle accident on Phahonyothin Road leaves one dead
A tragic motorcycle collision claimed the life of a 66 year old mechanic and left two young men in critical condition. The accident occurred yesterday on Phahonyothin Road, near the Thoen bus terminal in Lom Raet, Thoen district, Lampang province. Police Captain Satean Phanthariyasatean, an investigator from Thoen Police Station, received the report of the accident involving two motorcycles, resulting…
Read More » - Crime News
Thai Tourist Police arrest woman for fraudulent resort scam
Thai Tourist Police arrested a woman accused of opening a bank account for a fraudulent resort page scam in exchange for 500 baht. The incident involved victims losing money after booking a luxury resort in Khao Yai. Police led by Police Major General Thakoon Nimsombun and Police Colonel Wichian Wachirasangpairoj directed the operation. Deputy Inspector Vorodom Bairue and Lieutenant Colonel…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Teen arrested in Bangkok with homemade gun for self-defence
Police in Saimai apprehended a 16 year old boy found carrying a firearm on the side of the road. He claimed he was carrying the weapon for self-defence. A background check revealed previous charges of assault and attempted murder. At 9pm, yesterday, August 21, Police Colonel Rangsan Sonsing, Superintendent of Saimai Police Station, along with Deputy Superintendent Sanchai Sirirat and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Flooding in Chiang Rai claims two lives, submerges 15,000 rai of farmland
Heavy rains in Chiang Rai led to severe flooding, resulting in two fatalities and trapping 20 individuals in a convenience store. Agricultural land spanning 15,000 rai is now submerged due to rising water levels. Continuous heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai caused significant water level increases in several rivers, particularly in the Ing River, which originates from Kwan Phayao and flows…
Read More » - Thailand Cannabis Guide
The beginner’s guide to buying cannabis in Thailand
So, you’re in Thailand and have decided to try out the now legal cannabis. But how exactly do you go about it? Is it as simple as walking into any dispensary you see? How do you make sure you’re choosing the right product? It’s natural to feel a bit uncertain when you’re stepping into the cannabis world for the first…
Read More » - Thailand News
People’s Party goes all in: By-election showdown in Phitsanulok
In a high-stakes bid to hold onto their seat in Phitsanulok’s Constituency 1, the People’s Party (PP) is pulling out all the stops. PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and former MP Padipat Suntiphada hit the campaign trail yesterday, August 20, introducing Natachanon Chanaburanasak as their candidate for the upcoming by-election. The by-election, set for September 15, was announced by the Election…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai delivery rider’s ghostly order leaves taste of mystery
A Thai food delivery rider in Bangkok recounted his eerie experience to the public, claiming that he received an order from a dead police officer. The delivery rider, 30 year old Suttinai Khamchuen, shared with Channel 7 that he works two jobs as a volunteer rescuer and a Bolt delivery rider. The strange and spooky incident occurred at around 7.30pm…
Read More » - Thailand News
Slapgate scandal: Prawit faces ethics inquiry
Thailand’s political scene has been rocked by an incident involving Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, General Prawit Wongsuwon. The former deputy prime minister is now facing calls for an ethics inquiry after being caught on video slapping a reporter during a tense exchange last Friday. The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand (NBCT) and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association have formally…
Read More » - Thailand News
Viral dugong sighting stuns Phuket
A video of a rare dugong swimming near the bustling Rawai Bridge in Phuket has taken social media by storm, sparking calls for immediate action from local officials. The 41-second clip, posted on the Phuket Info Centre’s Facebook page, shows the elusive sea creature gracefully navigating the waters of Rawai Beach, a popular tourist destination. Filmed yesterday morning, August 20,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Authentic Thai flavours invade Kazakhstan
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce turned up the heat in Kazakhstan, recognising three Thai restaurants for delivering an unbeatable authentic taste with the prestigious Thai SELECT certification. At the forefront of this culinary accolade is Bangkok Thai Café in Almaty, a restaurant that leaves no stone unturned in bringing the true essence of Thailand to Central Asia. With skilled Thai chefs…
Read More » - Thailand News
Gun-toting schoolkids spark East Pattaya chaos
Violence erupted on the streets of East Pattaya as shocking footage emerged yesterday, showing school kids from a local public school and a rival private school engaging in brutal confrontations. The disturbing scenes, captured on Soi Nern Plub Wan in Nong Prue, reveal students clashing in a series of chaotic brawls. These violent altercations have reportedly occurred at least three times…
Read More » - Phuket News
Taxi to the danger zone: Driver stabbed in Phuket passenger showdown
An airport taxi driver stabbed a fellow driver outside a hotel in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket yesterday after a dispute over passengers. Officers from Patong Police Station investigated the stabbing outside Novotel Vintage Park Resort and arrested the attacker, 55 year old Raphiphan Saelor, at the scene. The injured victim, 40 year old Apinan Boonpha, was rushed to hospital…
Read More » - Thailand News
Toilet terror: Thai man’s shocking snake bite nightmare (video)
In a scene straight out of a horror film, a Thai man endured a nightmarish encounter when a snake, hiding in his toilet, sank its fangs into his testicles. The terrifying incident occurred on Monday, August 19 at 10am, when the unsuspecting man went to relieve himself, according to his now-viral Facebook post. Living in Thailand during the rainy season…
Read More » - Visa Information
Retiree’s paradise or visa maze? Thailand’s options but no land grabs
Thailand is a popular choice for foreign retirees, offering several visa types including annual extensions, a five to 20 year Elite visa, and a 10-year Long Term Residence (LTR) visa. However, none of these options allow direct land ownership, nor do they guarantee a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. Foreigners can purchase condominiums but this typically doesn’t come with visa…
Read More » - Thailand News
Trans leader’s TikTok blunder: A careless like for a disabled spot
A Thai transgender community leader apologised for an inappropriate TikTok video mocking people with disabilities and using a special car park for disabled people, stating that she was careless and focused only on gaining likes and shares on social media. Esor News 3 reposted the TikTok video of the renowned transgender community leader, Nattanon “Tor” Sudtanon, on August 20, drawing…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Road rage: Polish man stabbed in Pattaya after fistfight
A Thai man turned a routine traffic dispute into a life-threatening attack, leaving a Polish man severely injured after a road rage incident spiralled out of control in Pattaya yesterday. The violent altercation erupted at 6.06pm, yesterday, August 20, on Soi Boonsamphan in the Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Local police, accompanied by rescue teams from…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai PM Paetongtarn’s star-studded birthday bash
Pheu Thai’s 141 MPs gathered yesterday to honour their leader, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on the eve of her 38th birthday. The event, which doubled as a heartfelt thank you to her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was held a day before Paetongtarn’s actual birthday at the party’s headquarters in the Shinawatra 3 Building. Paetongtarn, who officially turns 38 today, kicked off…
Read More » - Thailand News
Ancient Thai cat gets purr-fectly official international recognition
The ancient Thai Suphalak cat has been officially recognised as an international breed by the World Cat Federation (WCF). The announcement, which has delighted cat lovers around the world, was shared on the WCF Thailand by ARC Facebook page. The recognition was granted during the WCF General Assembly 2024 in Germany, following a proposal by the Trade Association of Registered…
Read More » - Thailand News
Sweet spot: Thai fruits ranked by sugar content for diabetics
ThaiHealth has released information on the sugar content of various Thai fruits, identifying which ones have the highest and lowest amounts. This information is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, who need to consider both the type and amount of sugar in their diet. The Thai fruit with the highest sugar content is tamarind, containing 58.28 grammes of sugar per…
Read More » - Crime News
Key to the scam: Woman’s repair complaint uncovers fraud ring
A 27 year old woman questioned the high cost of a motorcycle key repair, leading to the discovery of numerous scam victims and a subsequent police report. Victims were overcharged and received substandard repairs from a deceitful technician. Thidarat shared her experience of being scammed on a popular Rangsit community page. On August 12, her Honda Wave 110 motorcycle key…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai Airways soars to new heights with RateGain partnership
Thai Airways (THAI) is set to revolutionise its pricing strategies with a multi-year partnership with RateGain Travel Technologies, leveraging its cutting-edge platform, AirGain. This collaboration marks a significant move for the national flag carrier of Thailand as it aims to maintain its competitive edge in the global aviation market. Operating out of its central hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Old Thai man arrested after defending business partner against affair accusation
Police arrested an 80 year old Thai man after he defended his female business partner against accusations of an affair during an interview on a television news programme. Netizens criticised the police, claiming they treated the 80 year old unfairly. The accused Thai woman, Pimon Panwisai, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive and various news agencies after Suay accused…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pita vows to reform Thailand’s broken political system
Thailand’s political arena has been thrown into disarray once again, as Pita Limjaroenrat, the embattled leader of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), issues a stark warning: without judicial reform, the country will continue to go around in circles. Pita’s comments follow two seismic court rulings that not only disbanded his progressive party but also ousted a prime minister, leaving…
Read More » - Thailand News
Mystery death in Nonthaburi linked to blue notebook message
A mysterious death in Nonthaburi has taken a significant turn with the discovery of a blue notebook containing a poignant message. Police found the body of a 72 year old woman, hanging in her home, with officers unsure whether the death was suicide or murder. Sommai’s body was discovered in her residence in the Suhrao Phranangklao Community, Bang Krasor subdistrict,…
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