Year: 2024
- Business News
Thailand to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for economic lift
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised the necessity of increasing the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to stimulate Thailand’s economy. He proposed a supplementary budget bill to the House, aiming to finance the digital wallet scheme, a core policy of the Pheu Thai Party. Opposition parties opposed the bill, citing legal concerns and potential violations of the State Fiscal…
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Thailand’s digital wallet disaster: MFP oppose budget
Opposition parties have taken a firm stand against the supplementary budget bill, targeting the controversial digital wallet scheme. Estimated at a staggering 450 billion baht, the scheme is criticised for its alleged inefficacy in boosting the GDP and potential legal issues, which could set a detrimental precedent for future national budgeting and fiscal policies. Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader of the…
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Byte-sized shopping: TikTok dances into ASEAN e-commerce scene
TikTok, the social media phenomenon owned by ByteDance, is now a formidable force in e-commerce. According to a recent report by Momentum Works, published in Nikkei Asia, TikTok Shop’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) soared from US$4.4 billion (around 158 billion baht) in 2022 to a staggering US$16.3 billion in 2023. This explosive growth has catapulted TikTok to second place in…
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Icelandic man mysteriously found dead in Samut Prakan hotel room
An Icelandic man was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a renowned hotel in Samut Prakan. The body showed no visible signs of injury and only beer cans were found nearby. Hotel staff revealed that the man had been staying at the hotel for nearly a month. Police Lieutenant Colonel Damrong Sukchusri, an investigator from Bang Kaew Police Station in…
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Thai student wows judges in Chinese language contest
In a spectacular display of linguistic prowess and cultural mastery, the Thailand finals of the 23rd Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students concluded with a bang on Saturday at Rangsit University in Pathum Thani. Thirty talented students from 17 universities across Thailand showcased their exceptional Chinese language skills and deep understanding of Chinese culture. Participants captivated the…
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Elderly woman forced to sell meth to support four grandchildren
Krabi Provincial Narcotics Suppression Unit, targetted a local drug hotspot in Krabi Noi subdistrict today, July 17, but a subsequent raid uncovered a drug operation run by an elderly woman, who sold methamphetamine pills to care for her grandchildren. During the investigation, a search of her residence yielded 122 methamphetamine pills hidden in her bedroom. The dealer, 64 year old…
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Foreign man found sleeping in monk attire on Pattaya Beach
Concerned locals and tourists alerted the Pattaya police to the presence of an unidentified foreign man sleeping on Pattaya Beach at around 3.40am today. The man, who was dressed in a monk’s robe and a white shirt, was found lying on the sand. Upon closer inspection, police discovered he was also wearing white pants. When questioned, the man was incoherent,…
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Floods disrupt Khon Kaen, submerging homes across two districts
Floodwaters have inundated Khon Kaen province, particularly affecting the districts of Mancha Khiri and Ban Phai, with the intense rainfall submerging homes up to their roofs. Route 2062 in Mancha Khiri, near the Suan Mon area of the Suan Mon sub-district, today, July 17, was submerged due to overflow from the Chi Rong Canal, extending for over 300 metres. Additionally,…
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Royal flush: Thai cops deal out arrests in billion-baht gambling bust
Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on a gambling website with over five billion baht in circulation and arrested two Thai men behind the operation. One of them, the son of a former senator, was arrested during a Dhamma retreat. Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) launched Operation Shutdown, targeting two e-payment service…
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Severe storm sinks fishing boat off Trang, woman dies
In the midst of a severe storm, a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Trang province, resulting in the tragic death of a woman while her husband survived. The incident occurred early today, July 17, when the couple was returning to shore while navigating the high waves. At 4am, the Marine Department in Trang received reports of a capsized…
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Fast and furious food delivery rider wrecks Pattaya ATM
In a shocking act of vandalism caught on camera, a man in a green GrabFood delivery uniform went on a destructive spree, smashing an ATM at a bank in Soi Nern Plub Wan, East Pattaya. The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 15 amid heavy traffic, has left locals stunned and alarmed. Witnesses reported that the rider’s frustration escalated after…
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Cluck and awe: Thai chicken butcher’s meth side hustle foiled
A chicken butcher at a local market in Rayong, discreetly selling methamphetamine pills on the side in pursuit of quick wealth was arrested, following a delivery attempt which was thwarted by the police. The Chief of Bang Lamung district, Police Colonel Nawin Sinsuttharat, and Deputy Police Colonel Supawat Latthapreecha, along with the Narcotics Suppression Division yesterday, July 16, apprehended a…
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Bangkok’s Wat Pho climbs Asia’s top travel list
Bangkok’s Wat Phra Chetuphon, famously known as Wat Pho, clinched a coveted spot among TripAdvisor’s 25 most popular destinations in Asia for 2024. This year, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha proudly stands at 9th place, a testament to its enduring appeal since it first made the list in 2020. TripAdvisor’s glowing recommendation highlights the tranquil allure of Wat Pho,…
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Couple rescued after fishing boat capsizes in storm off Satun coast
A couple in a fishing boat that capsized in rough seas during a heavy storm was rescued by a passing tourist boat. The incident occurred off the coast of Satun, Thailand. Heavy rain and strong winds caused multiple fishing boats to capsize in the sea near the La-ngu and Mueang districts in Satun. A tourist fishing boat managed to rescue a…
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Pink motorcycle flasher causes stir in Pattaya
Residents and visitors in Pattaya were left slack-jawed when a man on a pink Honda Zoomer-X motorcycle dropped his trousers for a full view. The incident, captured on video, ignited both concern and bemused laughter throughout the community. A local 42 year old woman, Am, witnessed the startling incident in Soi Bongkot, South Pattaya on Sunday, July 14. She described…
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Beach horror: Lower body find sends shockwaves in central Thailand
A hotel employee yesterday discovered the lower part of a human body on Laem Sadet Beach in the central province of Chanthaburi. Police are struggling to identify the deceased due to the missing upper half, including the head. The 39 year old hotel worker, whose name has not been disclosed, told Matichon that he found the human remains at approximately…
Read More » - Lifestyle
S Hotels & Resorts and Singha Estate form a strategic partnership with Ascott enhancing the hospitality sector in the United Kingdom
S Hotels and Resorts PCL (SET: SHR), a subsidiary of Singha Estate PCL (SET: S), a leading international development company, has announced a strategic partnership with The Ascott Limited (SGX: Ascott), a wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (SGX: CLI). The collaboration between S Hotels & Resorts and Ascott marks the first time that two leading Asian hospitality…
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Mae Hong Son cracks down on inappropriate tourist behaviour
Mae Hong Son Governor Chucheep Pongchai issued an urgent directive to tighten regulations and enhance supervision of tourism activities in the Pai district, following reports of inappropriate behaviour by some foreign tourists during river tubing on the Pai River. The matter came to the fore when a local resort owner in Pai raised concerns about the current state of tubing…
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PM Srettha’s 122 billion baht budget boost to stimulate economy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched the first reading of an additional budget for fiscal 2024, earmarking a whopping 122 billion baht for economic stimulus through the digital wallet scheme. Addressing the House, the Thai Premier outlined the government’s plan to disburse a 10,000-baht digital handout, aimed at enhancing the quality of life and generating job opportunities. “We cannot afford to…
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Marriott International report reveals trends amongst affluent Asia Pacific travellers
A recent Marriott International report has outlined key emerging trends amongst high-income travellers in the Asia Pacific. The New Luxe Landscapes Report written by The Luxury Group (a brand which falls under the Marriott International business portfolio) explored how affluent tourists prefer to travel. The data included insights from the wealthiest 10% of people across six markets, Australia, Singapore, South…
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Tourist mugged near Big Buddha Viewpoint in Phuket
A tourist was mugged near the Big Buddha Viewpoint in Phuket, prompting Karon Police to launch a manhunt for the assailant. The incident took place yesterday, July 16, at approximately 6.22pm near the Nak-Kerd Seaview Cafe, according to police reports. A Thai man, identified only as Wirat, witnessed the mugging while driving towards Chalong. He immediately alerted the police by…
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NBTC suspends SIM cards to tackle call centre scams
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand, in partnership with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), launched a significant operation aimed at regulating mobile banking and combating call centre scams. The initiative led to the suspension of 1,096,000 phone numbers registered to users holding more than 101 SIM cards. A member of the NBTC board, Police General Nathathorn Prousoontorn,…
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Bangkok bike bungle: Drunk taxi driver’s crash leads to two injuries
A drunk Thai taxi driver crashed his car into four motorcycles in Soi Ratchadaphisek 66 in Bangkok resulting in two injuries. He initially claimed he was not drunk and that the bottles found in his car contained milk, not alcohol. Ratchadaphisek neighbourhood residents stopped the 52 year old taxi driver, Udon, on Saturday, July 13, who had fled the scene…
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Bangkok National Gallery’s 200-year Thai art history exhibition
The National Gallery in Bangkok invites you to, 200 Years Journey Through Thai Modern Art History, a spectacular exhibition running until August 31. This exhibition, held in collaboration with the Art Auction Centre, offers a rare opportunity to explore over two centuries of Thai art history. From the traditional works of Khrua In Khong, who flourished during the reigns of…
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Court snubs Move Forward Party’s plea: Verdict moved to August 7
The Constitutional Court has thrown out the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP)‘s request for an inquiry, claiming it has ample evidence to make a ruling. The Election Commission (EC) has been pushing for the party’s dissolution and a 10-year political ban on its executive committee, due to their election campaign advocating for the amendment of the lèse majesté law. Despite…
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Elderly monk found dead in Uthai Thani cell after three days
A monk in Uthai Thani was found dead after three days, emitting a strong odour in his monastic cell. The 84 year old deceased monk had been suffering from end-stage kidney disease and refused dialysis treatment. The incident was reported yesterday, July 16, to Satean Onthong, a duty officer at Khao Bang Krach Police Station, by Bongkot Dhammatipo, deputy head…
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Thai chef’s ‘roo-tiful’ flair scoops MasterChef Australia 2024
A talented Thai chef has scooped the MasterChef Australia 2024 title with her unique Aussie-Thai fusion dishes, including the viral sensation Kangaroo Larb and Scotch Egg Sausage. Her innovative culinary creations captivated both the judges and the audience. In the grand finale of MasterChef Australia 2024, Nat Thaipan competed against her fellow contestant, Pezza, in an intense showdown. Nat’s first…
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Suspected short circuit ignites fire at Pak Kret Police Station
A fire broke out at the Pak Kret Police Station, in Nonthaburi, yesterday prompting a swift response from local police, firefighters, and volunteers. The blaze was quickly contained, preventing major damage and resulting in no injuries. Investigations reveal that the fire broke out in a two-storey old building behind the station, at 8.40pm yesterday, July 16. The ground floor housed…
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Planning your perfect weekend getaway to Sriracha
Only a one and a half hour drive away from Bangkok, Sriracha offers the perfect weekend getaway with its serene beaches, vibrant local culture, and delightful culinary experiences. A 3-day stay is ideal to see all that this charming seaside town in Chonburi has to offer, especially with a well-planned itinerary. Below, we’ve outlined the best places to eat, visit,…
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Thai monk’s ‘pawesome’ almsgiving captures dog lovers’ hearts
A heartwarming scene captured the hearts of netizens as a revered monk takes his dogs on a daily boat trip for alms. The viral clip shows Chamnarn, the abbot of Wat Chinwararam Worawihan in Pathum Thani, bringing his dogs along on his morning alms rounds, capturing the affection of netizens. Chamnarn, also known as Phra Ratchasirivacharangsi, shared insights at Wat…
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Online gambling crackdown: Police bet big, net 400 million baht
Police swooped on a major online gambling network, resulting in the arrest of two key figures and the seizure of assets worth over 400 million baht. The operation, named Shutdown, targeted the Askmepay and Hengpay payment systems implicated in the illegal activities. At 10.30am yesterday, July 16, police officials announced the successful raid on three locations in Bangkok. The operation…
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Thai tattoo artist allegedly rapes client, leading to attempted suicide
A Thai mother is seeking justice for her 20 year old daughter, who attempted suicide after being raped by a tattoo artist in Bangkok. The victim is in a critical condition and the alleged rapist has not yet been apprehended. The victim’s mother told Channel 7 that her daughter sent a message saying, “Mother, I love you” on July 12,…
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Siblings face prison time for extortion, coercion of former monk
The Southern Bangkok Criminal Court today sentenced a woman and her brother for their involvement in extortion, and coercion of a well-known monk, squeezing over 300,000 baht out of him. The siblings expressed remorse but still faced a prison sentence. The legal proceedings stemmed from incidents occurring between April 5 and April 21 last year. During this period, Weerinchita allegedly…
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Thailand to boost exports with soft power in China and Hong Kong
In a move to boost exports, Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is targeting China and Hong Kong markets with a potent mix of soft power. From tantalising Thai food to fashion and films, the DITP is pulling out all the stops. DITP Director-General Phusit Ratanakul Seriroengrit announced Monday that eight offices in China and Hong Kong are spearheading…
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Drug trafficking in 25 Thai provinces to be eradicated in 3 months
The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) declared its commitment to achieving Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ambitious goal of eradicating drug trafficking in 25 of Thailand’s most affected provinces within three months. The Bangkok-born PM announced his national priority to eliminate illegal drugs during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, July 16, setting a strict three-month deadline for state agencies to address the issue.…
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Murder-suicide: 6 Vietnamese deaths linked to 10 million baht debt
Following the suspicious deaths of six Vietnamese nationals at a hotel in Bangkok, Thai police discovered that one of the deceased, a Vietnamese-American woman, allegedly poisoned her friends before committing suicide with the toxin over a 10 million baht debt. The Metropolitan Police Bureau of Thailand revealed more details of the case in a press conference, today, July 17, following…
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School van driver found brutally murdered in Pathum Thani
The grisly murder of a school van driver took place yesterday, with the victim nearly decapitated and several of his fingers severed. Police are currently pursuing the suspect, who was last heard calling out a name. Police Lieutenant Thanasorn Chaemchoi of Lam Luk Ka Police Station at 8am yesterday, July 16, received a report of a murder at a house…
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