Year: 2024
- Business News
Thai government preps digital wallet scheme for 50 million citizens
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is getting ready to support the government’s digital wallet scheme, aimed at benefiting 50 million Thai citizens. Under the direction of Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will monitor the security of the 500-billion-baht (US$13.4 million) digital initiative. Simultaneously, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will take charge of digital…
Read More » - Crime News
Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
Read More » - Business News
Citi expands medium-sized business operations in Thailand, Asia
International bank Citi is set to aid the expansion of medium-sized businesses in Thailand and Asia. The move comes as economies in these regions experience high growth rates, presenting lucrative opportunities for companies to penetrate overseas markets. The managing director and head of Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) for Asia North, Australia, and Asia South, Gunjan Kalra, highlighted Asia’s rapid economic…
Read More » - Crime News
Laotian tourist’s 80,000 baht gold necklace stolen in Pattaya
Emerging from the nocturnal charm of Pattaya, an intriguing tale of a Laotian tourist and a vanished 80,000 baht (US$2,150) gold necklace has surfaced. The unfortunate incident unfolded early this morning, May 1, along the bustling Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The victim, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, a 37 year old Laotian national, recounted his ordeal…
Read More » - Business News
Kasikornbank and SUN group fund Thai solar startup Ion Energy
Kasikornbank’s subsidiary Beacon Venture Capital has collaborated with Indonesia’s Solar United Network (SUN) Group to complete a Series A funding round for Ion Energy, a solar energy startup based in Thailand. The funding round closed at US$3 million. Ion Energy offers affordable, clean energy solutions to both residential and commercial sectors within Thailand. Beacon Venture Capital Managing Director Thanapong Na…
Read More » - Thailand News
Family suffers burns as fire razes home in Samut Songkhram
A Samut Songkhram family’s home was engulfed in flames early today, leading to three people sustaining burn injuries. The inferno, which broke out around 5am today, May 1, is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit due to the melting of wire insulation amid the sweltering heat. The property, a single-story wooden house, was completely destroyed, and…
Read More » - Crime News
British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
Read More » - Business News
SET extends deadline due to few presidential applicants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has delayed the application deadline for its presidential role until May 15, following a lack of applicants. The present president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, is due to step down in September. The SET chairman role also remains unfilled after Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent resignation. The exchange is seeking candidates who can support its vision of making the…
Read More » - Thailand News
AoT plans to boost Suvarnabhumi Airport into world’s top 50
Airports of Thailand (AoT) disclosed plans to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the league of the world’s top 50 airports within a year and subsequently to the top 20 by 2028. This announcement was made by AoT Director Kirati Kijmanawat. The director shared that Suvarnabhumi International Airport currently ranks 58th in Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport Rankings for 2024, a significant…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai labour ministry initiates farm worker scheme with South Korea
The Department of Employment (DoE) under Thailand’s Labour Ministry initiated a programme to deploy Thai workers to South Korea as seasonal farm labour. This scheme is the outcome of a meeting last month between Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister of Thailand, and his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jung-Sik. During Pipat’s official visit to South Korea, he met with Kim Dong-yeon,…
Read More » - Business News
Thai baht finds its groove: Depreciation rate takes a dip
The Thai baht experienced a lessening in its depreciation rate in April, buoyed by an uptick in the country’s economic performance. A leading figure from the country’s central bank anticipates that the local currency will make a recovery in the second half of the year. In the initial quarter of this year, the baht saw a 7.8% decline against the…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Scorching 44°C wave to hit upper Thailand, caution urged
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning for upper Thailand, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius in the northern, central, and northeastern regions. The capital, Bangkok, is also set to experience high heat levels, with temperatures predicted to reach 42 degrees Celsius. The public is advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous…
Read More » - Thailand News
Samut Sakhon recycling plant ablaze, emergency crews fight fire
A recycling plant in Samut Sakhon province has been engulfed in flames for over eight hours, with emergency services battling the blaze that has spread across the entire area. Nearly 20 fire trucks from Samut Sakhon and neighbouring Samut Songkhram provinces have been deployed to douse the intense fire that erupted in packed paper bales within the facility yesterday, April…
Read More » - Thailand News
Prachinburi locals flock to temple for lucky lottery numbers
As the Labour Day lottery draws near, the residents of Prachinburi province are flocking to a renowned temple to seek out auspicious numbers for the upcoming draw. The temple, famous for its spiritual significance and lottery number predictions, is celebrating its 120th anniversary, coinciding with the birthday of its abbot, who has turned 83 years old. This significant cultural event,…
Read More » - Road deaths
Speeding pickup slams into trailer on Phaholyothin, driver hurt
A high-speed collision occurred today at 2am when a closed-box pickup truck crashed into the rear of a broken-down trailer truck on Phaholyothin Road in Pathum Thani province, Thailand. The driver of the pickup was seriously injured and trapped in the wreckage, necessitating urgent rescue efforts to save his life and transport him to the hospital. The incident, which took…
Read More » - Crime News
Ex-teacher in Bangkok held for assaulting student
A former primary school teacher has been arrested in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13 year old student inside his car, despite the presence of the victim’s younger sister. The 44 year old man was apprehended by police while selling fried meatballs on a street in the capital, following an investigation into the incident on March 22. Somkiat, a former…
Read More » - Thailand News
NHSO forms team to probe Bangkok healthcare malpractice
Bangkok’s primary healthcare clinics have been hit with a staggering 3,771 complaints, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to form an investigative team to probe alleged malpractices. The NHSO issued a statement yesterday, April 30, addressing its commitment to resolve grievances from patients under the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme. These objections arose following the NHSO’s decision to modify…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai workers shine in Taiwan’s Labour Day awards
Two Thai workers from Lampang did Thailand proud after being honoured with employee awards in Taiwan’s annual Labour Day ceremony, earning a personal meeting with the country’s president. The Taiwanese Ministry of Labour, responsible for the event, recognises both local and foreign workers for their contributions to various sectors. This year, the Thai men won accolades in the manufacturing industry.…
Read More » - Health
Boost your immunity: Natural steps backed by science
In the dynamic urban landscapes and tranquil settings of Thailand, fortifying one’s immunity system is essential to fully appreciate the myriad experiences the country has to offer. Whether navigating through the lively markets of Bangkok or traversing the verdant rural expanses, maintaining optimal health serves as a crucial passport to adventure. By adopting appropriate measures, enhancing one’s immune function naturally…
Read More » - Guides
Sustainable travel tips for eco-conscious visitors
In the fast-paced modern world, sustainable travel is becoming a pivotal concern for those dedicated to environmental preservation. Yale Travel Management experts have curated a comprehensive list of eco-friendly travel tips designed for business trips. Impressively, these recommendations are easy to adopt but play a crucial role in minimising our ecological impact while travelling. Adopting sustainable practices goes beyond just…
Read More » - Thailand News
Factory owner donates 100,000 baht to Ayutthaya Ashram statue
In a charitable act, a factory owner donated a generous sum of 100,000 baht to construct a large statue of Father Ruesi Naen, following a windfall of 1 million baht. The donation ceremony occurred at the Ruesi Naen Ashram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, where members of the public gathered today to seek blessings and examine the auspicious numbers floating…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai man nabbed for neighbour’s murder, claims adultery as motive
Police today arrested a Thai man for the murder of his neighbour at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The killer insisted his motive was not a dog dispute but a result of long-term bullying and the deceased’s alleged adultery with his wife. The 47 year old killer, Narin “Sam” Prinkprayong, shot dead his neighbour, a 45 year old…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phone fumble leads to deadly pickup crash in Lampang
A tragic road accident occurred today when a woman driving a pickup truck dropped her phone, causing her to veer across the lane and collide head-on with an oncoming sedan, instantly killing the male driver and injuring a 19 year old passenger. In the district of Hang Chat, Lampang, police were alerted to a fatal collision at a U-turn near…
Read More » - Business News
Microsoft invests US$1.7 billion in Indonesia for AI, cloud services
Microsoft revealed its plan to invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia, with the intent of enhancing the nation’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This includes the construction of data centres, according to the company’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, who announced it today, April 30, during his visit to the country. Marking his first stop in a Southeast Asian tour,…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok’s street sweepers: Deputy governor’s vendor crackdown
Lang Suan Road commercial area in Pathumwan, Bangkok, was bustling with activity this morning. However, not with the usual chaos of vendors setting up their street stalls, but a methodical inspection led by Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Chakkapan Phewngam, and his team of officials to clamp down on street vendor regulations, maintain public order and ensure cleanliness. This was not…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s major airports plan US$4.8 billion capacity doubling
Two of Thailand’s main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, are set to undergo significant expansions. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited intends to invest approximately US$4.8 billion to more than double the airports’ capacity by the end of the decade. The expansion aims to accommodate a predicted surge in tourism as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.…
Read More » - Thailand News
High stakes: Illegal gambling operator busted in Pak Kret home
Police have recently clamped down on a significant illegal online gambling operation in the affluent Pak Kret district, arresting one Thai gambler named Mongkol. The 46 year old’s arrest took place at a luxurious residence in the Bang Phlap sub-district of Nontha Buri province. The operation unfolded today, as Major General Wacharat Sanngam, head of Provincial Police Region 1, along…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Unlicensed Pattaya party villa raided restoring peace for locals
Peace has been restored in Pattaya, as a noisy, reportedly unlicensed pool villa was raided by authorities yesterday evening. The operation was spurred by complaints from residents, who were disturbed by the loud music and partying emanating from the villa. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, directed his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to spearhead a team of officials in raiding the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai delight: Thailand a Golden Week hotspot for Japanese tourists
Online booking platform Agoda declared Thailand as the second most popular destination for Japanese tourists during the Golden Week according to the search data. Agoda yesterday revealed the search data of Japanese nationals during Japan’s Golden Week, April 29 to May 6, and reported that Thailand emerged as the nation’s second most popular destination. While South Korea took the top…
Read More » - Business News
Manufacturing production index drops by 5.13% in March
Continuing its downward trend for the 18th month in a row, the manufacturing production index experienced a 5.13% drop in March compared to the same period last year, according to an Industry Ministry report. This decline, which is more severe than analysts’ predictions, is attributed to a slowdown in automobile production, a decrease in exports, and increasing household debt. Analysts…
Read More » - Thailand News
Ex-hotel chef arrested for sexual assault in Rayong
A former five-star hotel chef turned delivery rider was apprehended yesterday for sexually assaulting a female customer on May 13, 2023. On the night of the event, 29 year old chef San, deviated from the route to indulge in his inappropriate urges under the guise of darkness. Thai authorities, led by senior police officer Thiti Saengsawang, have been relentless in…
Read More » - Business News
Air China boosts Comac profile with massive C919 jet order
China’s national carrier, Air China, reportedly placed an order for 100 domestically-produced C919 jets, a move anticipated to garner international interest and further boost the profile of the relatively new aircraft. This comes as rival Boeing continues to grapple with ongoing safety concerns. The Beijing-based airline, which flies to 196 destinations, including over 60 international locations, confirmed the agreement with Comac,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Prosecutor seeks mystery Thai musician captivating netizens
In a heartwarming display of community and official concern, Director-General of the Prosecutor, Office of the Rights Protection and Legal Assistance to the Public (NCPO), Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, has issued a public appeal seeking a young pianist whose piano playing in a local market has captured the attention of netizens. The boy, who has been performing to financially support his household,…
Read More » - Phuket News
English tourist assaults tuk tuk driver over fare dispute in Phuket
An English traveller in Phuket has been caught in a troubling confrontation with a local tuk tuk driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, shows the tourist physically assaulting the driver after accusing him of withholding change. The video clip reveals the English traveller forcefully gripping the driver’s neck and shouting…
Read More » - Thailand News
Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
Read More » - Phuket News
Patong police intensify crackdown on drink driving in Phuket
Patong Police, located in Phuket’s prominent tourist town, ramped up their efforts against drink driving, arresting nine people over the past five days for their reckless behaviour. Among those detained were a mix of Thai and foreign nationals, including 34 year old Spanish man Cabria Gonzales, who was charged for drink driving last Thursday after he was stopped between 1am…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai drug suspect’s Yaba buying claims to protect youth sparks online laughter
A Thai man, arrested on drug charges, sparked amusement online by his heroic claim that he only bought and used methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, solely to prevent teenagers from accessing them. An officer from the Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre in the northern province of Phitsanulok shared a video of the drug suspect, whose identity was not revealed, on…
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