Month: October 2024

  • Crime NewsTransport minister probes bribery involving Deere, ministry depts

    Transport minister probes bribery involving Deere, ministry depts

    Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit initiated a committee to probe bribery allegations involving two ministry departments in Thailand and the local unit of multinational construction firm Deere, following a case highlighted in the United States. Three weeks after Deere reached a US$10-million settlement with US officials, Suriya announced the formation of the panel to scrutinise the bribes outlined in the US…

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  • Thailand NewsThief gets carted away: Salt-and-battery in Bangkok bust

    Thief gets carted away: Salt-and-battery in Bangkok bust

    Police in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district arrested a Thai man along with his trusty red tricycle cart. The suspect had been masquerading as a salt seller while secretly breaking into unattended homes in the area to steal valuables. Police officials received a report today, October 4, from the local community that homes were being robbed during the day when residents…

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  • Thailand NewsTide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge

    Tide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge

    A Chinese man faces a fine of up to 5,000 baht for swimming in the Ping River in Chiang Mai province during a strong current and flooding. A video of the man floating and relaxing in the Ping River during heavy flooding in Chiang Mai was first shared last month. The video drew widespread criticism, with many expressing concern that…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand welfare card benefits updated for October

    Thailand welfare card benefits updated for October

    Thailand’s Comptroller General’s Department has updated the welfare card benefits for October. Eligible individuals will receive various allowances and benefits starting this month, including purchasing allowances, transport subsidies, and additional disability payments. The welfare card benefits for October began on Tuesday, October 1. Teeraporn Phasuk, Deputy Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department and spokesperson for the department, stated that those…

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  • Thailand NewsCharging ahead: BYD owners left powerless by marketing spin

    Charging ahead: BYD owners left powerless by marketing spin

    In a surprising twist, BYD car owners stormed into the government offices yesterday, filing an official complaint against the Chinese auto giant. They claim the company’s aggressive marketing tactics amount to nothing less than unfair selling practices, leaving them out in the cold, literally. Led by officials from consumer protection, the disgruntled owners told tales of woe regarding access to…

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  • Thailand NewsPattaya thief begs for mercy after stealing to aid sick grandmother

    Pattaya thief begs for mercy after stealing to aid sick grandmother

    A shop owner in Pattaya set a trap to catch a persistent thief who had been stealing from his stall, only to face a tearful plea for forgiveness as the suspect claimed he was stealing to feed his sick grandmother. Officers from Nong Prue Police Station responded to a call about a detained thief at the Khao Talo Market in…

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  • Thailand NewsRolling the dice: Pattaya homes raided in Chinese gambling bust

    Rolling the dice: Pattaya homes raided in Chinese gambling bust

    Police raided three luxury houses in Pattaya and arrested 20 Chinese nationals for operating a gambling website and illegal loan service. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station discovered a group of Chinese nationals running illegal businesses based in Thailand. They were found to be offering loans illegally to clients in China. The gang rented three luxury houses to carry out…

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  • Crime NewsChon Buri man arrested for threatening mother, assaulting family

    Chon Buri man arrested for threatening mother, assaulting family

    A man in Chon Buri was arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill his mother, assault his son, and attempted to rape his daughter. Officials found methamphetamine in his possession. Police and administrative officers arrested 46 year old Sornchai (surname withheld) at his home in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The arrest followed a plea for help from a 64…

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  • Thailand NewsAmerican woman makes long journey to Thailand to see Moo Deng (video)

    American woman makes long journey to Thailand to see Moo Deng (video)

    An American woman travelled by air for nearly 21 hours to see Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus who has become a global Internet sensation at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. The US national, Molly, shared details of her journey on TikTok, noting that she flew for 18.5 hours and faced disbelief from immigration officials about her unique…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok on the ropes: Ex-boxer dodges arrest and takes hostages

    Bangkok on the ropes: Ex-boxer dodges arrest and takes hostages

    A former Thai boxer remains at large after evading arrest for theft. The fugitive then went on a rampage in Bangkok’s Phrayathai district, taking two innocent people hostage in the process. The 39 year old theft suspect, Santi Jehali, began his disturbing behaviour after officers from Tao Poon Police Station raided his home to arrest him yesterday, October 3, at around…

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  • Pattaya NewsPattaya car chase over Thai woman sparks gunfire

    Pattaya car chase over Thai woman sparks gunfire

    A dramatic car chase involving gunfire unfolded in Pattaya yesterday after a heated confrontation between two Thai men over a woman. Pattaya police responded to a report of the incident on Soi Khao Talo 5/1 at 11am, yesterday, October 3. Police officers apprehended 34 year old Thosawat at the scene, who is suspected of firing shots. A .32 calibre revolver…

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  • Crime NewsThai woman held for impersonating diplomat in 6 million baht scam

    Thai woman held for impersonating diplomat in 6 million baht scam

    Thai police apprehended a young woman impersonating a Thai diplomat in Canada, accused of scamming a student out of 6 million baht using fake passport allegations. Following directives from Police General Kittirat Phanphet and Police Lieutenant General Thatchai Pitaneelabut, who are focused on eradicating criminal organisations causing public distress, the online patrol unit of the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau unearthed a…

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  • Pattaya NewsPattaya pool party busted: Cops dive into illegal ops crackdown

    Pattaya pool party busted: Cops dive into illegal ops crackdown

    Pattaya police raided three pool villas where a Chinese gang was operating illegal money lending and online gambling activities, seizing 13 computers and over 100 mobile phones. Chatchai Surachetphong, Deputy Regional Police Chief of Region 2, along with Navin Theerawit, Pattaya City Police Chief, and Thananon Athiphansri, Deputy Chief of Pattaya City Police, led a raid to investigate a pool…

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  • Bangkok NewsCabbie chaos: Thai app rider punches cop in Bangkok (video)

    Cabbie chaos: Thai app rider punches cop in Bangkok (video)

    A Thai app-based taxi rider physically assaulted a police officer and damaged his car, claiming the cop was responsible for an earlier road accident in Bangkok. The footage of the physical assault on 30 year old Police Corporal Wirodom Najaiboon, from the Protection and Crowd Control Division, went viral on Thai social media and was shared by many news outlets.…

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  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThai-ing up the rain: Bangkok braces for a downpour of showers

    Thai-ing up the rain: Bangkok braces for a downpour of showers

    Thailand faces widespread rainfall today, with heavy showers expected in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. This weather pattern affects 38 provinces, excluding the northeastern region, which experiences cooler morning temperatures. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts for the next 24 hours show significant rainfall in the western parts of the northern and central regions, the east, and the south. Cooler…

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  • Thailand NewsPing River on the rise: Chiang Mai braces for watery wake-up call

    Ping River on the rise: Chiang Mai braces for watery wake-up call

    Chiang Mai braces for more flooding today as the Ping River is set to reach 4.95 metres, starting in the morning. Heavy rainfall in upstream areas has caused a rapid rise in the Ping River, according to Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn. He urged residents along the river to relocate their vehicles and valuables to higher ground. Hospitals and clinics in low-lying…

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  • Thailand NewsBets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception

    Bets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception

    A Thai man is taking legal action against his ex-girlfriend, who tricked him into transferring 500,000 baht to fund her gambling, claiming the money was for their dream wedding. The victim, 38 year old Jaruwat, filed a complaint against his ex-girlfriend at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)‘s complaint centre today, October 3. Jaruwat said he was the victim of a…

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  • AutomotiveWhy boarding is on the left side of the plane

    Why boarding is on the left side of the plane

    Ever wondered why you always board a plane from the left side? This seemingly trivial detail is actually steeped in aviation tradition and practicality. As you step onto the aircraft, you’re participating in a practice that dates back to the early days of flying, when aviation pioneers established conventions that continue to shape modern air travel. By delving into the…

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  • Thailand NewsWinter story: Thai cool season arrives fashionably late with icy twist

    Winter story: Thai cool season arrives fashionably late with icy twist

    Brace yourselves, Thailand’s winter this year will arrive a little late but pack an extra punch of chill. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced that the cool season will kick off in the third week of October, with temperatures set to dip lower than last year. Although winter will extend until late February, the TMD is predicting cooler-than-usual temperatures. The…

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  • Thailand NewsThai activist-turned-filmmaker takes home top award

    Thai activist-turned-filmmaker takes home top award

    Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, best known for taking on the Thai establishment as a student activist, has swapped protest placards for a camera, earning him a prestigious film accolade. His co-produced documentary, The Last Breath of Sam Yan, claimed Best Documentary Film at the 2023 Suphannahong Awards, bringing attention to an ongoing battle over Bangkok’s cultural heritage. The documentary, directed by Prempapat…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai slammed by new flooding amid fresh warnings

    Chiang Rai slammed by new flooding amid fresh warnings

    Chiang Rai just can’t catch a break! After being battered by devastating floods last month, Ko Sai and Mai Loong Khun communities have been hit by another round of intense flooding. Heavy rainfall overnight caused the Sai River to burst through a sandbag floodwall, swamping the area and leaving residents in disarray. Thankfully, swift action by troops ensured locals were…

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  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai hits the brakes on Amnesty push

    Pheu Thai hits the brakes on Amnesty push

    The Pheu Thai Party has put the brakes on its push for an Amnesty Bill, aware that it could spark a political storm and risk the stability of its already fragile coalition government. The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is walking a tightrope, as opposition from the Senate looms large. Despite holding a slim majority in Parliament,…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok safe from floods despite heavy rain, says PM

    Bangkok safe from floods despite heavy rain, says PM

    Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured the public that Bangkok will remain safe from flooding, noting that the current rainfall levels are significantly lower than those experienced during the devastating floods of 2011. The Thai premier reviewed the water situation yesterday, October 2, at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. She highlighted that while Thailand was…

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  • GuidesCan you ask for more food in any Thai airlines if you are not full?

    Can you ask for more food in any Thai airlines if you are not full?

    If you have ever been on a flight, chances are that their in-flight meals aren’t the most appetising thing that you ever come across, nor will the portion sizes leave you feeling full afterwards. But the burning question is can you ask for more food while on a flight on a Thai airline? In most cases, you definitely can! A…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s new PM makes TIME100 Next list

    Thailand’s new PM makes TIME100 Next list

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made waves by being included in the prestigious TIME100 Next list of leaders for 2024, as announced by Time magazine. This remarkable recognition marks a significant milestone for the 38 year old politician, who has emerged as a trailblazer in Thai politics. Elected as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister following the dismissal of property tycoon Srettha…

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  • Thailand TravelMoo Deng and other cute animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

    Moo Deng and other cute animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

    If you’re an animal lover or just looking for a fun day out, visiting the zoo has never been more exciting with all the cute, viral animals drawing attention on social media. The star of the show? None other than Moo Deng, the adorable baby hippo that’s taking Thailand by storm. But don’t just stop at hippos, there’s so much…

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  • Thailand NewsAyutthaya woman saved from sexual assault by good Samaritan

    Ayutthaya woman saved from sexual assault by good Samaritan

    A petrol station attendant attempted to sexually assault a woman after pretending to help her with directions. The incident occurred near a community road in Ayutthaya. The suspect, a 37 year old Myanmar national, was subsequently arrested and charged by local police. The incident involved a 29 year old woman (anonymous), who was riding her motorcycle to visit a friend…

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  • Business NewsThai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat

    Thai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat

    Thailand’s leading business group called for an urgent reduction in interest rates, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of a rapidly appreciated baht on exports. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) chairman, Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the urgency for the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to adjust rates, aligning with the government’s repeated calls for monetary easing. Markets…

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  • Thailand NewsRice Department fraudsters cook up fake seed sales online

    Rice Department fraudsters cook up fake seed sales online

    The Rice Department’s Facebook page highlighted an increase in online scams. Fraudsters are using fake pages to impersonate legitimate businesses, luring victims to purchase rice seeds and disappearing after receiving payments. The Rice Department’s Facebook page revealed that scammers have created a fake page named Phantawee Mall Corporation, falsely using images and names of Rice Department officials to build trust.…

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  • Economy NewsPenny-wise, pound foolish: Thailand’s budget delay leaves fiscal year in arrears

    Penny-wise, pound foolish: Thailand’s budget delay leaves fiscal year in arrears

    The Government of Thailand’s delayed budget approval led to significant underinvestment in the previous fiscal year, according to the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD). The state budget for the fiscal year is divided into a fixed fund and an investment fund. For fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, the fixed fund amounted to 2.8 trillion baht (US$84 billion), covering expenses…

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  • Phuket NewsBlazing drama: Phuket boat blaze leaves captain burnt out

    Blazing drama: Phuket boat blaze leaves captain burnt out

    A fire erupted aboard a Phuket tourist boat leaving the captain nursing injuries and igniting a full-blown investigation. The Phuket Marine Office got the alarming call at 10.35am today, October 3, about the Flamingo Lady 2 tour catamaran going up in flames, sending shockwaves and panic rippling down the Andaman coast. The vessel, which had just dropped off 22 tourists…

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  • Thailand NewsPosition impossible: Director’s promotion sparks drama in Surin

    Position impossible: Director’s promotion sparks drama in Surin

    Drama erupted among education professionals after an education centre director in the Isaan province of Surin was transferred to a better position, despite allegations of dereliction of duty. The alleged misuse of power and inappropriate behaviour of a female education centre director, Nittaya Phupanna, came to light after the Facebook page, Watchdog Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand, shared a picture and…

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  • Thailand NewsSmile: Pure Heart Foundation donates wheelchairs in Ayutthaya

    Smile: Pure Heart Foundation donates wheelchairs in Ayutthaya

    The Pure Heart Foundation, in collaboration with Thai Smile Bus, has provided wheelchairs to disadvantaged disabled individuals in Thailand to enhance their mobility and improve their quality of life. Thirarat Nawamawat, President of the Pure Heart Foundation, shared yesterday that they were contacted by Rungruthip Janthong, Ayutthaya’s provincial labour officer, and Supinya Kaenchai, Ayutthaya’s employment officer. They reported numerous disabled…

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  • Thailand NewsShocking turn: Lightning bolt transforms military unit into hot spot

    Shocking turn: Lightning bolt transforms military unit into hot spot

    Lightning struck a transformer, causing an explosion and subsequent fire at a military unit building in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The old wooden structure sustained damage but fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported. The incident occurred at the Explosives Factory Division, Ordnance Industry Centre, Ordnance Department of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), located in Ban Ko subdistrict, Mueang…

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  • Thailand NewsVillage headman in Udon Thani kills son in self-defence

    Village headman in Udon Thani kills son in self-defence

    A tragic event unfolded when the village headman of Nong Wua So district in Udon Thani province, found himself in a life-and-death situation with his youngest son who was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). The confrontation ended with the village chief fatally shooting his son in self-defence after the latter fired at him. The incident occurred yesterday, October 2.…

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  • Thailand NewsResidents make offerings after winning lottery in Ratchaburi

    Residents make offerings after winning lottery in Ratchaburi

    Residents are celebrating substantial lottery wins by making offerings at Phupahung Wongwanaram Monastery in Ratchaburi, bringing chicken eggs, flower garlands, and fireworks to express their gratitude. The temple’s abbot received donations, with some winners attributing their luck to the Naga Loop charm. At Phupahung Wongwanaram Monastery in Ban Huay Sala, Yang Hak subdistrict, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province, people from…

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  • Thailand News14 year old Isaan girl missing after playing in dam with friends

    14 year old Isaan girl missing after playing in dam with friends

    A 14 year old Thai girl went missing yesterday after she went to play with two friends near a dam in the Isaan province of Buriram. Officers from Lam Plai Mat Police Station coordinated with volunteer divers to search for the missing girl named Noi who disappeared at around 3pm yesterday, October 2. The incident took place at a weir,…

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