Year: 2024
- Thailand News
Thai police shut down 21 villas on Koh Samui, foreigners evicted
Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags. Municipal, military, and ombudsman officials yesterday, September 17, slapped closure notices on the villas, which were among 46 properties constructed without permits. These villas had brazenly…
Read More » - Thailand News
Waste not, want not: Thailand tightens reins on dirty paper imports
Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department is cracking down on dirty deals—literally. Stricter import controls on waste paper are in the works to safeguard public health and protect the environment. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, Foreign Trade Department Director-General, dropped the bombshell. The Commerce Ministry has been inundated with reports all year from concerned entrepreneurs. These tip-offs revealed that imported waste paper is ending up…
Read More » - World News
Man dies on Hong Kong-bound Cathay Pacific plane from Dhaka
A 47 year old Bangladeshi man died after collapsing aboard a Cathay Pacific flight from Dhaka to Hong Kong. The man reportedly fainted during the flight and was later declared dead, despite immediate efforts to revive him. The incident unfolded on flight CX662, which had taken off from the Bangladeshi capital at 2am local time and touched down in Hong…
Read More » - Thailand News
Knockout blow: Thai boxing star floored in gambling promo ring
Police officers went toe-to-toe with a famed Thai boxer, known only as “Sutthiwat,” who flaunts a staggering 440,000 followers on Facebook, for promoting gambling websites at 1,500 baht a post. The dramatic bust came yesterday, September 17, spearheaded by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) under Police Lieutenant General Jiraphob Bhuridej and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) led by Police…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pattaya mayor’s surprise delivery transforms elderly woman’s life
The life of an elderly woman with limited mobility in Na Kluea, Bang Lamung district, Pattaya was dramatically changed when Mayor Poramet Ngampichet personally arrived at her doorstep with life-altering support. For 75 year old Wanram Singupatham, life had become a daily battle. Trapped in her modest Na Kluea home near Soi Bo Bae, her limited mobility and low income…
Read More » - Thailand News
Cigarette rites spark fiery debate among netizens in Thailand
A Thai man’s online query about the unusual practice of lighting cigarettes instead of incense sticks at funerals ignited a spirited discussion among netizens. On Monday, September 16, an anonymous user on the Facebook page Knowledge Around posed the question: “What does lighting cigarettes instead of incense at a funeral signify?” The post quickly went viral, attracting a flurry of…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phuket drug suspect nabbed in mangrove forest hideout
A Thai man wanted on serious drug charges was finally captured today after being tracked down to a remote mangrove forest in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. A police investigation team from Thalang Police, supported by local patrol officers, swooped in on the suspect’s hideout. The high-stakes raid, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha, Inspector of Investigation at…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pattaya Beach set to rock: Chon Buri music fest waves in the tunes
Pattaya Beach is about to be transformed into a musical paradise as the Chon Buri International Music Festival kicks off this weekend and continues the next. From 5pm to 11pm, Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, music lovers can revel in a beachfront bonanza of sound and spectacle. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Expect a star-studded lineup…
Read More » - China News
Heartless landlord in China evicts terminally ill woman
A landlord in China is under fire after heartlessly evicting a cancer-stricken tenant, fearing her death could devalue his property. Zhang, the landlord from Beijing, booted out Wang, a terminally ill woman renting his flat, claiming that her presence could turn the property into a haunted house and slash its value by up to 1 million yuan (nearly 4.7 million…
Read More » - Thailand News
Durian plantation owners busted for cheating electricity meters
More than 10 durian plantation owners in Khon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, have been caught red-handed in an electricity scam. A daring investigation by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) exposed the scam after officials noticed suspiciously low electricity bills. The durian plantations, which typically cover between 32,000 and 48,000 square metres, were racking up bills of just 200 baht a month,…
Read More » - Business News
Finance Ministry set to cash in: £400bn portfolio gets a stock-over
In a bold new move, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to overhaul its colossal 400 billion baht stock portfolio, hinting at potential sell-offs. This announcement comes straight from Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, who let the cat out of the bag. Lavaron, a key player in the State Securities Management and Development Committee within the State Enterprise Policy Office…
Read More » - Business News
Virtual bank race: Five giants vie for digi-crown in Thailand
The race is heating up for the new virtual bank licences, with five heavyweight business groups ready to battle it out. Gulf consortium has already thrown its hat into the ring, according to Krungthai Bank (KTB) president Payong Srivanich. This power team includes Gulf Energy Development and PTT Group. Armed with a solid business plan and robust ecosystem that meets…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand banks could be forced to share hacking costs
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong has thrown his weight behind a groundbreaking proposal that could see commercial banks sharing the financial burden when their customers’ accounts are hacked. Prasert, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, publicly backed opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn’s suggestion during a heated House debate. Wiroj, from the People’s Party, argued that banks…
Read More » - Thailand News
Whoscares? Scam alert app is here to call out the cons in Thailand
Gogolook, the brains behind the wildly popular Whoscall app, have unleashed a game-changer: Scam Alert, and it’s rocking the scene thanks to a team-up with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). A whopping 11 heavy-hitter organisations are on board this powerhouse initiative, including telecom giants, police forces, top banks, the National Cyber Security Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Prawit’s leaked audio drama: Secret ambitions exposed?
An aide to Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwan filed a police complaint against two high-profile figures for allegedly leaking a bombshell phone conversation. The explosive recording, which Prawit previously dismissed as a doctored or AI-manipulated fake, has now landed two individuals in hot water. PPRP Secretary-General Paibul Nititawan took the reins, filing the complaint today at Hua…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Covid-19 now just flu-ing under the radar, says Thai virologist
Covid-19 is officially being treated like any run-of-the-mill respiratory illness, claims Dr Yong Poovorawan, a leading virologist from Chulalongkorn University. This dramatic shift comes as case numbers tumble and symptoms become milder. In a Facebook post yesterday, Dr Yong revealed that this year’s Covid-19 cases are on a clear downward trajectory. At the start of the rainy season, Covid-19 made…
Read More » - Thailand News
Snakes alive: Thai woman battles 4-metre python in Samut Prakan
A quiet night turned into a nightmare for a woman in Samut Prakan province when a 4-metre-long python wrapped itself around her for nearly two hours, leaving her fighting for her life. The woman, 64 year old Arrom Arunroj, had just finished her dinner and was washing dishes at the back of her house, located near a dense reed forest…
Read More » - Crime News
Ex Pathum Thani PAO official faces warrant after court no-show
The Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct issued an arrest warrant for a former Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) official who failed to attend a court session regarding a corruption case. The court has rescheduled the hearing for October 24. Yesterday, September 17, the Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct was set to deliver a verdict in…
Read More » - Thailand News
Smart Digital Prime project launched at Nakhon Pathom school
The Miracle of Life Foundation and the National Telecommunications Public Company (NT) officially signed an agreement for the Smart Digital Prime project to enhance digital skills and technology education at Ubon Rattana Rajakanya Rajawittayalai School in Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand. The agreement was signed to promote and support digital and technological skills, with R.T.N. Dr Manat Nonuch, Chairman of the…
Read More » - Road deaths
Thai influencer injured in accident during flood relief in Nong Khai
A Thai influencer was injured in a car accident while assisting with flood relief efforts in Nong Khai, causing concern among fans. Updates on his condition are expected tomorrow. Sungstarwin, whose real name is Starwin, experienced a serious car accident while on his way to help flood victims in the Phon Phisai area. The incident occurred amidst ongoing flooding issues…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok joins 30-baht healthcare scheme with 6 billion baht budget
A budget allocation of 5.9 billion baht has been approved to support the 30-baht healthcare scheme, which will now extend to Bangkok, making it the 46th province in the programme. The project will be officially launched on September 27. The announcement was made at the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Bangkok, where Jadej Thamatachaaree, Secretary-General of the NHSO, explained…
Read More » - Thailand News
Flooding in Thailand reduced to 13 provinces, 45 dead, 24 injured
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) initially reported that 30 provinces experienced flooding but it has now reduced to 13 provinces. Some 45 people have died, and 24 sustained injuries. Efforts are ongoing to assist those affected and alleviate public distress. The floods, which occurred between August 16 and yesterday, impacted 30 provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand to give digital money to vulnerable groups via PromptPay
Thailand announced a significant economic stimulus package targeting vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities and state welfare cardholders. Starting Wednesday, September 25, the government will distribute 10,000 baht per person through the PromptPay system. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet for the 2024 economic stimulus plan, aims to support 14.55 million recipients. The distribution will be managed by the Comptroller…
Read More » - Crime News
Man found in longan orchard after fatally shooting ex-wife
Police successfully apprehended a 42 year old man who had been hiding in a longan orchard after fatally shooting his ex-wife in front of her home. The incident stemmed from unresolved resentment over their breakup. Suksan, shot his 43 year old ex-wife, Ko, in the forehead, causing severe injuries while she was waiting for a ride to work outside her…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Capella Bangkok named World’s Best Hotel 2024
Capella Bangkok has taken the hospitality world by storm, claiming the coveted top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. Leaping from No.11 in 2023 to No.1 this year, the hotel not only tops the global rankings but also secures the title of Best Hotel in Asia. Since its 2020 opening, the riverside retreat has charmed guests with…
Read More » - Transport News
Thailand unveils transport development policy to boost infrastructure
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled an extensive policy for the country’s transport infrastructure development, aiming for improvements across short, medium, and long-term phases. During a meeting with transport organisations under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration, Suriya, along with his two deputies, presented a strategic policy guideline encompassing nine key points to be executed in three distinct phases. Suriya emphasised the need…
Read More » - Thailand News
Egg-cellent gratitude: Lottery winner hatches a plan with 900 eggs
A Thai woman who won the lottery with 87 tickets offered 900 chicken eggs as a form of gratitude. She previously won five second-prize tickets and revealed the source of her lucky numbers. Following the announcement of the government lottery results for September 16, the winning numbers for the first prize were 608662, and the two-digit ending was 37. Many…
Read More » - Thailand News
Southern residents protest SEC bills, oppose Land Bridge project
Southern residents are urging the government to revoke two Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills and abandon the Land Bridge megaproject, claiming these initiatives will drastically alter their way of life. Approximately 50 members of the Phato-Ranong Conservation Network convened at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district yesterday, calling for the party to retract the two bills it had…
Read More » - Cannabis
Cannabis market in Thailand
Thailand’s economy and tourism industry have flourished since the legalization of recreational cannabis. While investing in this sector may appear risky to test the water at first glance, a thorough understanding of the industry may reveal opportunities. Key factors to consider include the legal framework, the diverse range of cannabis products available, and the cultural significance of cannabis in Thai…
Read More » - Health
Is AI a reliable tool for medical self-diagnosis?
Modern-day challenges demand high speed and accuracy in medical consultation, forcing many people to turn to artificial intelligence. Because AI systems can interpret complaints or suggest diagnoses, we can ask ourselves, ‘Why not try to use such tools for self-diagnosis?’ But how good can they really be? These tools may help the patient, but they do not substitute for the…
Read More » - Tourism News
TAT launches three-city roadshow in Indonesia
Thailand is turning up the heat on its tourism campaign in Indonesia with an exciting new initiative. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bringing its Amazing Thailand Road Show to Indonesia 2024 to three Indonesian cities (Medan, Jakarta, and Bali) in a bid to solidify its spot as the top holiday destination for Indonesian travellers. Kicking off tomorrow, September…
Read More » - Crime News
Minibus drivers clash on Phahonyothin Road causing major traffic jam
Two minibus drivers clashed in the middle of Phahonyothin Road, near Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka, causing a severe traffic jam and forcing passengers to flee. This incident occurred yesterday, September 17, around 8am, leading to a disruption in the traffic flow towards Bangkok. The altercation involved a white BMTA minibus on the Chatuchak-Thammasat University route and an interprovincial minibus…
Read More » - Guides
Strategic gold trading with pivot points & market timing
Trading in gold has long been a preferred strategy for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and hedge against market volatility. In Thailand, where the economic landscape and market dynamics differ from global trends, understanding the strategic use of pivot points and market timing is crucial for success. Advanced traders often leverage these tools to refine their trading strategies, maximising…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand launches halal app to boost Muslim tourism
Muslim tourists in Thailand can now explore the country without a hitch, thanks to the newly launched Halal Route app. Developed by the Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University, this game-changing app offers a comprehensive guide to halal-friendly restaurants, hotels, mosques, and even prayer locations. As Islamic tourism booms globally, with a predicted 168 million Muslim tourists this year, Thailand…
Read More » - Thailand News
Found fortune: Udon Thani man proves cash can’t buy character
A young man working at the VT Naem Nueang restaurant in Udon Thani has become a local hero after discovering a whopping 100,000 baht in cash lying on the street. Instead of pocketing the cash, he bravely handed it over to the police, hoping to reunite the money with its rightful owner, though he confessed he was seriously tempted to…
Read More » - Special Features
Should you buy a condo near Bangkok’s BTS or MRT Stations?
The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) and MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) form the backbone of Bangkok’s public transportation system. They offer a fast and efficient way to get around the city. If you’re considering buying a condo in Bangkok, the idea of choosing one near these stations has likely crossed your mind. For many, the convenience of living near a…
Read More » - Thailand News
Krabi land officer arrested for fraudulent land titles in forest area
The anti-corruption commission apprehended a Krabi land officer for the fraudulent issuance of 33 land titles within a permanent forest area, knowingly violating the law. This action was directed by Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and Suchart Kluykitanon, Assistant Secretary-General of the NACC Region 8. The arrest of Thawatchai Thabtimthong was made under a warrant issued…
Read More »