Month: September 2024

  • Thailand News93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry

    93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry

    Soon, Singaporeans and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before their trip to the Land of Smiles. Reports suggest a pilot programme might kick off in December, with full implementation expected by June 2025. However, The Straits Times has learned that the exact launch date is still up in the…

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  • Road deathsTragic accident claims man’s life in Buriram amid bank visit

    Tragic accident claims man’s life in Buriram amid bank visit

    A tragic accident in Buriram has claimed the life of a 38 year old man. The incident occurred as he was returning home from the bank, where he had spent the past three consecutive days trying to link his new bank book to the PromptPay system. Unfortunately, he collided with a tractor and sustained fatal injuries. Yesterday, September 23, Police…

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  • Thailand NewsThai woman seeks justice after alleged snake bite in Bangkok cinema

    Thai woman seeks justice after alleged snake bite in Bangkok cinema

    A Thai woman is demanding proper compensation from a cinema in the Rama II neighbourhood of Bangkok, claiming she was bitten by a snake while watching a film on July 31. The 27 year old businesswoman, Kornphaphiporn Poka-imsin, brought her story to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive. She stated that she incurred 25,000 baht in medical expenses but received only 6,990…

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  • Thailand NewsBoy returns lost gold necklace worth hundreds of thousands of baht

    Boy returns lost gold necklace worth hundreds of thousands of baht

    A nine year old student of Ban Khan Moo School in Phatthalung province, Thailand, returned a gold necklace with a sacred amulet worth hundreds of thousands of baht to its rightful owner after finding it in a market water gutter. Yesterday, September 23, teachers, students, and parents of Ban Khan Moo School in Phatthalung gathered to commend Kris, a Primary…

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  • Thailand NewsNew alert system to be rolled out for natural disasters in Thailand

    New alert system to be rolled out for natural disasters in Thailand

    The Government of Thailand is set to roll out SMS alerts for natural disasters, ensuring the public is warned of impending danger, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong revealed today. Prasert, who also serves as deputy PM, announced that the decision was made during a high-stakes meeting yesterday, September 23, attended by key players such as the Disaster Prevention…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s virtual banking sector faces competition for licences

    Thailand’s virtual banking sector faces competition for licences

    Thailand’s emerging virtual banking sector is seeing intense competition as the number of applications has surpassed the available licences. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) announced it received five applications for virtual banking licences before the deadline, with plans to grant a maximum of three licences. The successful bidders are expected to be announced by mid-2025. The BoT has not disclosed…

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  • Thailand NewsPhetchaburi temple under fire for destroying cultural plaster art

    Phetchaburi temple under fire for destroying cultural plaster art

    A prominent temple in Phetchaburi province is facing criticism for destroying cultural plaster art by a national artist to make way for a coffee shop. Academic and renowned writer Niphatporn Pengkaew shared images and comments on Facebook yesterday, September 23, showcasing the plaster art, and local wisdom of Phetchaburi. The post revealed that the plaster art, created by national artist…

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  • Thailand NewsThai monk with psychiatric history stabs abbot over loan warning

    Thai monk with psychiatric history stabs abbot over loan warning

    A Thai monk with a history of psychiatric treatment stabbed an abbot at a temple in the Isaan province of Loei yesterday, September 23, after the victim warned him not to borrow money from a temple visitor. Somkid, a 29 year old community leader in the Nonghin district of Loei, reported the stabbing at Phu Kham Noi Khiri Khet Temple to…

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  • World NewsMove over Moo Deng: Penguin Pesto steals the spotlight

    Move over Moo Deng: Penguin Pesto steals the spotlight

    Among the sea of monochrome penguins at Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium, one fluffy superstar is stealing the show – and the Internet can’t get enough of him. Meet Pesto, the penguin chick who’s gone from a 200-gramme hatchling to a massive 22.5 kilogrammes in just nine months! Affectionately dubbed an “absolute unit” and a “linebacker,” Pesto’s viral fame has eclipsed…

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  • Crime NewsLoan sharks attack victim faces charges after defending himself

    Loan sharks attack victim faces charges after defending himself

    A gang of loan sharks mistakenly attacked a 56 year old man at his home in Nonthaburi, leading him to defend himself. Ultimately, he is now at risk of facing legal action despite being the victim. Athiwat Sirikangwalwong, founder of the Dare to Step page, arrived to investigate the incident after receiving a complaint from Aran. The incident began when…

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  • Bangkok TravelWhere to get cheap electronics in Bangkok in 2024

    Where to get cheap electronics in Bangkok in 2024

    Have you ever wondered why just a charging cable for your iPhone is costing you upwards of a thousand baht? Well, it’s because you are looking for cheap electronics in all the wrong places. In our digital age, there is certainly no escaping technology and electronics, and as certain technologies get pushed further into the mainstream, we see prices also…

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  • Pattaya NewsPattaya: Couple snatches motorbike while noodle shop owner naps

    Pattaya: Couple snatches motorbike while noodle shop owner naps

    A chicken noodle vendor in Pattaya woke up to discover his motorbike had vanished – all because he left the key in the ignition while taking a nap. The 26 year old vendor, Thanapol Bingkhunthod, runs a small but busy chicken noodle shop on Soi Arunothai. His day took a turn for the worse yesterday, September 23, when a crafty…

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  • Tourism NewsBangkok bonanza: Chinese tourists ‘Agoda’ crazy for Golden Week

    Bangkok bonanza: Chinese tourists ‘Agoda’ crazy for Golden Week

    A popular travel booking platform, Agoda, reported that Bangkok is one of the top five destinations among Chinese tourists for the upcoming Golden Week from October 1 to 7. Agoda revealed the number of searches for overseas accommodations by Chinese nationals on September 23. The report showed that the number of searches increased by 137% compared to the same period…

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  • Phuket NewsForeign man found hanged at Phuket resort

    Foreign man found hanged at Phuket resort

    In a chilling discovery on Sunday morning, the body of a foreign man was found hanged outside a resort in Koh Kaeo, Phuket province, leaving police scrambling to uncover his identity. The grim scene was uncovered by a hotel staff member at around 7.50am, on September 22, who immediately alerted the police. Arriving at the scene, officers were joined by…

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  • Thailand NewsThai PM’s Office hits back at ethics amendment critics

    Thai PM’s Office hits back at ethics amendment critics

    Political storms are brewing over Thailand’s controversial charter amendment proposal but the Prime Minister’s Office is pushing back, insisting the revisions won’t weaken the fight against corruption. Yesterday, September 23, PM Office Minister Chousak Sirinil dismissed concerns surrounding the Pheu Thai Party’s charter amendment plan, which includes revising ethical standards for political officeholders. Critics claim it could undermine the constitution’s core…

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  • Crime NewsMan injured in Phatthalung domestic dispute involving wooden plank

    Man injured in Phatthalung domestic dispute involving wooden plank

    A domestic dispute in Phatthalung ended violently when a man was struck on the head with a wooden plank by his partner. The injured man fled to seek help from neighbours and the assailant later escaped on a motorcycle. Yesterday, September 23, Phatthalung City Police received a report of an assault at a residence in the Khuan Maprao sub-district. Lieutenant…

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  • Thailand NewsThai government to tighten grip on online scammers

    Thai government to tighten grip on online scammers

    The Government of Thailand is set to unleash new laws in its war against online scams, with a toughened stance on cyber criminals. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, vowed to not only protect consumers but also tackle the soaring number of fraud cases that threaten the nation’s economic security. Responding to concerns raised by Senator…

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  • Thailand NewsPhatthalung romance: Love-struck victim won’t ‘stick’ it to attacker

    Phatthalung romance: Love-struck victim won’t ‘stick’ it to attacker

    A love-struck Thai man in the southern province of Phatthalung has decided to forgive and forget, even after his boyfriend savagely attacked him with a wooden stick, leaving him unconscious. Remarkably, the victim has declared he still loves his assailant. Officers from Mueang Phatthalung Police Station were alerted to the assault at a house in the Mueang district of Phatthalung…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man killed in boating accident near pier in Nonthaburi

    Thai man killed in boating accident near pier in Nonthaburi

    A boating accident occurred last night near Wat Som Kliang Pier in Nonthaburi, resulting in the death of a 58 year old man. The incident involved a collision between a paddle boat and a motorboat. The deceased, Weerawong, was paddling to pick up his mother from the pier when the motorboat, driven by 63 year old Manit, suddenly collided with…

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  • Business NewsThai baht hits 19-month high as US dollar weakens

    Thai baht hits 19-month high as US dollar weakens

    The Thai baht has soared to its highest level in 19 months against the US dollar, driven by a weaker American currency and profit-taking in gold markets. Opening at 32.92 per dollar today, the baht marked a significant rise from September 20’s closing rate of 33.60 baht. This appreciation follows the dollar’s depreciation, which was triggered by the US Federal…

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  • Thailand NewsCommerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’

    Commerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’

    The Thai Ministry of Commerce has addressed concerns raised by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan regarding the high cost of pork in Thailand compared to imported pork. This issue has led to significant expenses for consumers. Consequently, the ministry has instructed the Internal Trade Department to collaborate with relevant agencies to find solutions that balance and make the entire pricing chain fairer.…

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  • Tourism NewsDomestic tourism makes tracks but misses 1 trillion baht mark

    Domestic tourism makes tracks but misses 1 trillion baht mark

    Domestic tourism is on track to achieve 200 million trips this year, though revenue is anticipated to fall short of the 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) target, reaching only 965 billion baht (US$29.3 billion). The private sector is urging for the promotion of second-tier cities through a loyalty programme to bolster local tourism. From January to July, domestic tourism receipts…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man alleges police officer assault over Laotian bar girl

    Thai man alleges police officer assault over Laotian bar girl

    A Thai man accused a police officer and his friends of physically assaulting him over a Laotian bar girl in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo on Saturday, September 21. The 40 year old Thai man, Sarawut, asked Channel 7 to help him seek justice, claiming he was assaulted by a police officer and his two friends at around 2am…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand promotes products with Piccadilly Circus campaign

    Thailand promotes products with Piccadilly Circus campaign

    Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has launched the Think Thailand Next Level branding campaign to promote Thai products and services. The event, led by Pichai Naripthaphan, took place at Piccadilly Circus in London, aiming to elevate Thailand’s image globally. The campaign’s launch featured a gigantic digital billboard at Piccadilly Circus, a prominent public space and a central hub in London. This…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand delays minimum wage hike to 400 baht by two weeks

    Thailand delays minimum wage hike to 400 baht by two weeks

    Thailand’s decision to delay the planned increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day will extend the wait by about two weeks, according to a senior labour official. This postponement, initially set for October 1, is due to the committee responsible for the hike not meeting quorum requirements in its recent sessions. The committee, comprising representatives from employers,…

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  • Thailand NewsYoung man robbed at gunpoint near Chatuchak Park MRT station

    Young man robbed at gunpoint near Chatuchak Park MRT station

    A young man from Chiang Mai was robbed at gunpoint near the Mo Chit BTS station near Chatuchak Market after arriving at the Mo Chit bus terminal. Officers from Prachachuen Police Station are actively pursuing the suspect involved in this brazen robbery that occurred around 6.23am yesterday, September 23. Police Colonel Sanya Ubonviratana, the chief of Prachachuen Police Station, directed…

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  • Thailand NewsDrunk Belgian man dances naked and defecates in police station

    Drunk Belgian man dances naked and defecates in police station

    A Belgian man faces deportation after dancing naked and defecating during his detention at a police station in Nonthaburi near Bangkok in the early hours of this morning. Officers from Pak Kret Police Station were notified by a security guard at around 5am today, September 24, that a foreign man was walking along the expressway, raising concerns for both the…

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  • Thailand NewsMonk neglected by hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    Monk neglected by hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    A group of monks and disciples confronted medical staff at Thap Sakae Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan, claiming negligence in treating an ailing senior monk, forcing him to seek care elsewhere after waiting for two hours without assistance. A lawyer named Prapatpong Phumchai and disciples of Phra Khru Phasuk Wiharakan, also known as Luang Por Sompong, the abbot of Wat Ang…

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  • Thailand NewsTragic tale: Heroic son drowns saving mother in Buriram river

    Tragic tale: Heroic son drowns saving mother in Buriram river

    In a heart-wrenching tale of bravery, a mother narrowly avoided drowning when her son leapt into the water to rescue her, tragically losing his own life in the process. Devastated and heartbroken, the grieving mother expressed her anguish, saying that, as the older one, she felt she should have been the one to perish instead of her beloved son. Police…

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  • Thailand NewsNew land slug species discovered in Thailand

    New land slug species discovered in Thailand

    Two newly discovered species of land slugs have been identified in Thailand, prompting further research on their conservation. The Animal Systematics Research Unit at Chulalongkorn University revealed these findings yesterday, September 23. Land slugs, also known as banana slugs in central Thailand, belong to the same group as snails but have lost their shells completely. Locally, they are known by…

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  • Thailand NewsDurian dispute turns deadly: Vendor kills couple over prime location

    Durian dispute turns deadly: Vendor kills couple over prime location

    A 62 year old durian vendor killed a couple on a roadside in the Chana district of the southern province of Songkhla following a dispute over a prime location for their fruit stalls. Officers from Chana Police Station were called to arrest the suspect, 62 year old durian vendor named Huan Saetan on Ratsarat Road yesterday, September 23. Upon arrival,…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai: Flash floods hit more than 200 homes in Mae Rim

    Chiang Mai: Flash floods hit more than 200 homes in Mae Rim

    Flash floods have severely impacted the Mae Rim district in Chiang Mai, with over 200 homes affected and Mae Sa Elephant Camp preparing to relocate elephants due to landslides and damaged infrastructure. Heavy rains caused flash floods in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. The flooding, which began early yesterday, has affected over 200 homes, catching many residents off guard. The…

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  • Thailand NewsPickup truck fire sparks alarm on Karon beachfront

    Pickup truck fire sparks alarm on Karon beachfront

    A pickup truck fire sparked alarm among locals and tourists along the Karon beachfront yesterday, September 23. The blaze broke out around 12.10pm near the Thavorn Palm Beach Hotel. Firefighters from Karon Municipality, along with traffic police, swiftly responded, rushing to the location of the fire. They found a white Nissan pickup truck, registered in Phuket, with flames and smoke…

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  • Crime NewsMan arrested for selling kratom drinks to students in Sisaket

    Man arrested for selling kratom drinks to students in Sisaket

    Police in Sisaket arrested a man for illegally selling kratom-infused drinks to students, seizing numerous items as evidence and pressing serious charges against him. District Chief Thanadet Phra-arak of Benchalak ordered the crackdown, directing Deputy District Chief Supoj Chaikuchin and members of the 18th Benchalak Volunteer Defense Corps to collaborate with local police. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel…

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  • Phuket NewsMonsoon leaves Patong Beach littered with trash and plastic waste

    Monsoon leaves Patong Beach littered with trash and plastic waste

    Patong Beach has become heavily littered with trash and plastic waste as the southwestern monsoon continues to batter Phuket’s west coast. A large section of the beach was found covered in debris on Sunday afternoon, September 22, highlighting an ongoing environmental issue. A local expatriate, having lived in Phuket for approximately five years, described the situation along the northern part…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man arrested for murder of his wife shows no remorse

    Thai man arrested for murder of his wife shows no remorse

    A Thai man arrested for the murder of his wife in the central province of Samut Prakan confessed he felt no remorse for his actions after deliberately stabbing the woman out of jealousy. The murder occurred in a rented room in the Bang Sao Thong district of Samut Prakan province on Sunday, September 22. A witness reported to officers at…

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  • Thailand NewsThai MP’s car catches fire after inspecting Lampang floods

    Thai MP’s car catches fire after inspecting Lampang floods

    People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn experienced a frightening moment when the car transporting him caught fire after returning from inspecting flood conditions in Lampang, en route to Chiang Mai Airport. A Good Samaritan helped extinguish the fire, revealing they suddenly smelled something burning and saw smoke before flames erupted. Wiroj, a list MP from the People’s Party, shared his alarming…

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