Year: 2024
- Thailand News
Virtual bank brawl: Thailand’s money movers make their pitch
Competition for virtual bank licences in Thailand is reaching fever pitch, with five heavyweight business groups stepping forward just before the application deadline. The Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Finance are set to issue an undisclosed number of licences, with the winners announced in the first half of next year. Successful applicants will have a year to kick-start…
Read More » - Thailand News
Doctors on a mission: Time for a prescription for change
A group of furious doctors launched a passionate petition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding urgent action to tackle the dire state of Thailand’s public health system. Spearheaded by Clinical Professor Emeritus Dr Amnaj Kussalanan, a former president of the Medical Council of Thailand, the petition was formally handed over at the Ministry of Public Health, where Dr Watchai Charoonwattana,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA
In a move that’s bound to shake up Bangkok’s bustling street food scene, new City Hall regulations will allow only “poor Thais” to operate as street vendors. The bold rules, signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, have sparked controversy with their stringent requirements, including a ban on migrant workers. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the new rules will go…
Read More » - Hot Property
Where you can get property in Koh Chang for a peaceful life
Dreaming of a tropical escape? Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island, offers an idyllic setting for your dream house. Known for its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and lively marine life, Koh Chang attracts both tourists and expats alike. With its growing popularity, the island’s real estate market has seen a significant rise, making it an excellent time to invest. In recent…
Read More » - Thailand News
Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken matters into his own hands, rolling up his sleeves to personally inspect the chaotic renovation of Lat Phrao Road’s battered footpaths. The governor visited the busy Lat Phrao intersection on Tuesday, September 17, where a 20-kilometre overhaul is underway, aimed at bringing the pavements up to scratch. Years of neglect, due to the Yellow…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists
Thai AirAsia announced free flights for Thai Paralympic athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Medalists will receive free flights for up to 10 years, both domestically and internationally. Thai AirAsia is offering free flights to all Thai athletes who secure medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, similar to the benefits previously provided to Thai Olympic athletes. Gold…
Read More » - China News
China: Japanese boy fatally stabbed near school
In a shocking incident that has left communities reeling, a 10 year old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in southern China, dying just a day later. The boy, a student at the prestigious Shenzhen Japanese School, succumbed to his injuries today, September 19, according to Japanese officials. The boy’s attacker, a 44 year old man identified as…
Read More » - Thailand News
All that glitters: Thai gold prices steady, not budging an ounce
Gold prices in Thailand are holding their ground today, with rates remaining flat compared to yesterday’s close. Jewellery gold is trading at 41,050 baht per baht-weight, according to an early morning update from the Gold Traders Association (GTA) at 9.04am. The price of gold bars stands firm at 40,450 baht for buying and 40,550 baht for selling, mirroring yesterday’s figures.…
Read More » - Thailand News
TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand
TAGTHAi, Thailand’s official travel app, has partnered with Google Cloud to create a ground-breaking solution that simplifies travel for tourists. Their AI-driven feature, Design My Trip, promises to revolutionise how visitors experience Thailand. Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO of TAGTHAi, revealed the cutting-edge technologies used to offer curated travel experiences tailored to each individual. “This aligns perfectly with the Tourism Authority of…
Read More » - Thailand News
High stakes: British soccer star’s £600k cannabis own goal
Professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in a sensational attempt to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport. The 33 year old striker, currently playing for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton, was nabbed by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers at dawn yesterday, September 18, in Gourock, Inverclyde. The ex-Livingston, Aberdeen, and Arsenal academy star, who resides on Cardwell…
Read More » - Guides
Best souvenirs that you can buy in Bangkok
Planning a trip to Bangkok and wondering what souvenirs to bring back? You’re in for a treat! Bangkok is a treasure trove of unique and memorable items that capture the essence of Thai culture. From vibrant markets to chic boutiques, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding the perfect memento. Whether you’re after traditional handicrafts, exquisite jewellery,…
Read More » - Thailand News
AirAsia’s new campaign: Are you always on time? (video)
AirAsia is taking punctuality to new heights with its latest Thai campaign, “Thank You for Being on Time.” In a bold move, the airline is not just focusing on its timeliness but celebrating passengers who make punctuality a lifestyle. The campaign, created by the creative agency Chujai, features two heartwarming video spots directed by Thanachai Srivichai. The 15 and 48…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Brakes off: Bangkok’s car free day lets tourists cruise sans traffic
Bangkok is revving up for Car Free Day this weekend on Banthat Thong Road, offering a vehicle-free zone for tourists to cruise around and soak up various activities. The event, dubbed Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life, aligns with the annual World Car Free Day on September 22, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. In a…
Read More » - Thailand News
Terrifying blaze levels home in Sattahip, no injuries
Chaos erupted in Ban Tao Than, Sattahip in the early hours of yesterday as a raging fire engulfed a two-storey wooden house, sending residents fleeing for their lives. The inferno broke out at 4.30am, yesterday, September 18, consuming the home in a matter of minutes and triggering a swift response from emergency services. Firefighters from the Sattahip Municipal Office and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Tak Bai tragedy: Thai officials to face music over deadly crackdown
The Government of Thailand is set to prosecute eight former security personnel for their alleged roles in the notorious Tak Bai crackdown nearly 20 years ago, where 78 protesters met a grim fate, suffocating or being crushed in overloaded army trucks, according to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Among those facing serious charges are six soldiers and two…
Read More » - Thailand News
UK signs pivotal trade and investment deal with Thailand
The United Kingdom government has finalised a significant trade and investment agreement with Thailand, marking the first such deal since the Labour government assumed office in July. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander signed the enhanced trade partnership agreement in Bangkok yesterday, September 18. The deal seeks to eliminate specific trade barriers, focusing on sectors such as…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s consumer cashflow set to rise above 2019 levels
Thailand’s consumer spending is set to smash past 2019 levels for the first time, fuelled by expected interest rate cuts from the Bank of Thailand and a booming tourism sector, leading analysts reveal. In spite of sky-high household debt, consumer confidence is riding high thanks to a surge in foreign tourist arrivals—a key lifeline for Thailand’s economy, according to BMI,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Sea surge devastates Trang village, leaving residents homeless
A powerful sea surge devastated the coastal village of Ban Mot Tanoi in Ko Libong, Kantang district, Trang province, rendering residents homeless and their properties in ruins. Waves reaching heights of 3 to 4 metres, combined with strong winds, caused extensive damage to 15 homes, with eight destroyed and seven partially damaged. Residents are now left to pick up the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s golden rice grain faces storm from strong baht and India
Thailand’s rice exports are teetering on the edge of crisis with looming threats from a strong baht and potential policy changes in India. The Thai Rice Exporters Association has cast a shadow over next year’s outlook, predicting exports might flop below the eight million tonnes mark. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, revealed the unsettling news despite unabated flooding wreaking…
Read More » - Thailand News
Udon Thani woman forced to sign new loan, assaulted by creditor
A woman reported her creditor for assaulting her in the middle of a market, despite claims of having repaid the loan in full. She was forced to sign an additional loan agreement for 40,000 baht after already repaying both the principal and interest. The woman, 46 year old Phanomphon from Nong Khon Kwang, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, filed a…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok Bank gives a healthy boost to Siriraj with 70 million baht
Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (PCL) made a healthy contribution of more than 70 million baht to Siriraj Hospital through its Bangkok Bank-Siriraj Card Project, reinforcing the bank’s dedication to social responsibility and community support. On Mahidol Day, Pochanee Kongkalai, Executive Vice President and Assistant VP of Customer Banking, proudly presented the cheque for 70,315,053.39 baht to Professor Dr Apichat Asavamongkolkul,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pathum Thani to host food festival to boost tourism
Pathum Thani will host the Amazing Pathum Thani Food Festival, highlighting the region’s culinary creativity to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy. The event will take place from September 25 to 29, featuring unique food and cultural activities. The press conference for the festival was held yesterday, September 18, at Tinidee Hotel Bangkok Golf Club in Pathum Thani. Pathum…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand to borrow 2.59 trillion baht for 2025 budget
The Government of Thailand announced a borrowing plan of 2.59 trillion baht for the 2025 fiscal year, assuring that this will not hinder the private sector’s fundraising efforts, a Ministry of Finance official stated yesterday. Jindarat Viriyataveekul, public debt adviser at the ministry, said the debt plan, which begins on October 1, should not cause concern in the markets. She…
Read More » - Thailand News
Sukhothai launches durian festival with Monthong at just 1 baht
Sukhothai has kicked off an exciting durian festival, offering special promotions with 200 queues per day for the coveted Monthong durian at just 1 baht per fruit. Customers are flocking to take advantage of the deals and carry home the prized fruit. Today, September 19, in front of the Big C department store in Ban Kluai, Mueang district, Sukhothai province,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Psychiatric patient escapes hospital, steals two bikes in Lopburi
A psychiatric patient caused quite a stir by escaping from a hospital and stealing two motorcycles, fleeing across four districts to reach his mother’s home. Police from Ban Mi district in Lopburi received a report from Chakkrit Namkhot, who said his red Honda Dream motorcycle, with the registration 1กน 946 Lopburi, was stolen while he was eating at a restaurant…
Read More » - Best of
10 best hotels in Pai for a relaxing getaway
Thailand’s northern region is home to a quaint picturesque town called Pai. Pai has a variety of luxury hotels to suit a variety of tastes. This peaceful area of the nation has something for everyone, from Mediterranean-style getaways to traditional Thai lodgings. All while being surrounded by luscious green fields and mountains. Below, we’ve compiled 5 of the best hotels…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai court confiscates 5.1m baht from official over unusual wealth
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3 ordered the confiscation of assets worth 5.1 million baht from a Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) official due to allegations of unusual wealth, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) announced yesterday. The court’s ruling, which was handed down on March 28, directed the confiscation of funds in two accounts held by Sarot…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai Paralympic table tennis team hailed after 9-medal haul in Paris
Thailand’s national Paralympic table tennis team met with the Chair of the Police Commission after securing four gold and five bronze medals. Yesterday, September 18, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Naradet Thiprak, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 1 and Chair of the Police Table Tennis Committee, alongside Suriya Puangsombat, Deputy Superintendent of the Immigration Division 1, led the…
Read More » - Health
Yadom: Nasal inhaler Thais can’t live without
If there’s one thing more popular than Lisa Blackpink in Thailand, it’s Yadom. The kpop singer helped introduce Yadom to her massive international fanbase when she said that she always carries it around in her bag — the clip then went viral because she pronounced it as Yadom, which is a whole different thing in the Korean language (adult video).…
Read More » - Thailand News
Hit-and-run: Pattaya traffic cop left with no compensation
A Pattaya traffic cop is desperately calling out for justice after a hit-and-run driver left him with a broken foot—and a pile of unpaid medical bills. Special Affairs Traffic Officer Anirut Buachum was directing traffic near the Soi Chaiyapornvithi intersection in North Pattaya on August 5 when disaster struck. A white Chevrolet sedan, speeding and failing to signal, suddenly turned…
Read More » - Road deaths
Passenger dies as grab car crashes into oil tanker in Rayong
A tragic accident involving a popular app-based car occurred when it crashed into the back of an oil tanker truck, resulting in the death of one passenger and serious injury to another. The driver miraculously escaped unharmed, attributing his survival to a protective amulet. At 6.30am today, September 19, Anupong Puangpee, a duty officer at Klaeng Police Station in Rayong,…
Read More » - Thailand News
SRT tasked to complete Sino-Thai railway by next year
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been tasked with completing the high-speed Sino-Thai railway project by the first quarter of next year, according to the directive given to its new director, Veeris Ammarapala. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Veeris will outline his policies to the SRT by early next month, following the Cabinet’s approval of his appointment. Veeris’s…
Read More » - Thailand News
Granny finds teenage grandson dead at home in tragic discovery
A grandmother found her 19 year old grandson, a technical college student, dead in their home after he had been missing from school for five days. She had raised him since he was a child and was heartbroken by his passing. At 3.30am today, September 19, Sompong Waree, the headman of Village 4 in Ban Long Takhian Tia, Khao Kwang…
Read More » - Thailand News
Cannabis chaos: Thailand’s weed rules you can’t afford to break
Thailand’s cannabis scene is about to get a whole lot more official but there are big consequences for those who don’t play by the rules. From January 1, 2025, consumers will still have access to the country’s wide variety of dry flowers but breaking key regulations could land you in hot water. The rules are simple: no smoking in public,…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Transgender monk’s meth meltdown and fall from grace in Pattaya
A monk in Pattaya, who identified as a transgender woman, experienced a drug-induced episode, leading to his removal from the monkhood after testing positive for methamphetamine. Police in Pattaya received a report of a monk behaving erratically within the grounds of Boonyakanjanaram Temple in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Responding to the call, Police Lieutenant Pansan Klongsit and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phuket: Lifeguards rush to save turtle washed ashore in Thalang
Lifeguards at Bang Tao Beach in Thalang district, Phuket, faced an unexpected rescue mission this morning when a 30-kilogramme sea turtle, too weak to swim, was found washed ashore. The beach patrol team, led by Wirun Chuea-saman, head of the Surin-Bang Tao Beach lifeguards, quickly sprang into action. “We spotted the turtle during our routine patrol. It wasn’t injured but…
Read More » - Thailand News
Lampang residents warned of rising water levels due to heavy rain
Residents of Lampang are urged to prepare for rising water levels in the Wang River, expected to increase by 1.5 to 2 metres due to continuous heavy rainfall. Local officials urge residents to stay updated on the situation via the Facebook page of the Office of Irrigation No. 2, Lampang province. The Wang River’s water level is projected to rise…
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