Year: 2024

  • Environment NewsChina leads renewable energy efforts with wind and solar power

    China leads renewable energy efforts with wind and solar power

    China is leading the global surge in renewable energy construction, with nearly two-thirds of the world’s large-scale wind and solar projects currently being built within its borders, as indicated by a recent report from Global Energy Monitor (GEM). China is constructing 339 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale wind and solar power, representing 64% of the global total, according to the US-based…

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  • Thailand NewsElderly Nonthaburi man alleges repairman stole 40,000 baht

    Elderly Nonthaburi man alleges repairman stole 40,000 baht

    A 95 year old man filed a complaint at the Nonthaburi Provincial Police Station today against a long-trusted repairman who allegedly withdrew large sums of money using his ATM card without permission. Pramote Siwamok, who has been relying on 33 year old electrician Jedsada for over seven years, reported the incident to Police Lieutenant Thitipakorn Khumparnin at the Nonthaburi City…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok launches major drug prevention initiative with urine tests

    Bangkok launches major drug prevention initiative with urine tests

    Bangkok is set to launch a significant drug prevention and control initiative tomorrow, July 12, with the capitol’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, directing district offices to coordinate with local police stations for urine testing in 88 communities identified as high-risk for drug abuse, aiming to bring users into treatment programs. During an online Zoom meeting at the Bangkok City Hall, Chadchart…

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  • Thailand NewsWoman arrested for illegal online wildlife trade in southern Thailand

    Woman arrested for illegal online wildlife trade in southern Thailand

    Police apprehended a Thai woman involved in illegal online wildlife trading, seizing 34 rare birds. The suspect admitted to buying the birds from locals and reselling them online for profit. Arune Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), along with Wanpichit Watthanasakmonta, Chief of Police Station 6, and Somphop Trongtokit, Inspector of Police Station 6,…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man denies rape despite presence of semen at crime scene

    Thai man denies rape despite presence of semen at crime scene

    A Thai man denied raping a 17 year old girl despite the presence of semen in the victim’s home in the Isaan province of Buriram. He admitted to using drugs and claimed that he only intended to steal from the victim’s home. The 17 year old victim arrived at the house of a deputy community leader on her bicycle at…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand tightens ‘feathered’ measures to curb avian flu outbreak

    Thailand tightens ‘feathered’ measures to curb avian flu outbreak

    Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is tightening measures to prevent the spread of avian flu. Hospitals near the Cambodian border are on high alert following Cambodia’s report of its seventh H5N1 case this year. The Ministry of Public Health, led by Opas Karnkawinpong, received an epidemiological report from the Sa Kaeo Provincial Health Office. The latest case involves a five…

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  • Thailand NewsThai woman alleges relatives stole 1.5 million baht inheritance

    Thai woman alleges relatives stole 1.5 million baht inheritance

    A woman claims her relatives defrauded her of her father’s inheritance, valued at 1.5 million baht, despite a court order appointing her as the estate manager. The inheritance includes 3 baht of gold, a gold ring, a gold-encased amulet, and insurance money. Around 11am today, July 11, at Bang Sri Mueang Police Station in Nonthaburi, Athiwat Sirikangwalwong, founder of the…

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  • Thailand NewsFan tattoos ‘Lisa Rockstar’ on head after music video shoot

    Fan tattoos ‘Lisa Rockstar’ on head after music video shoot

    A man expressed admiration for the treasured K-pop star Lisa Manoban, a member of the world-famous music group, BLACKPINK, unconventionally, by tattooing ‘Lisa Rockstar’ on the side of his head. He cited his immense pride after participating in the music video shoot for Lisa’s hit release, Rockstar. Ratchakarn Nakphian explained that he joined the music video shoot without initially knowing…

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  • Thailand NewsThai investors flee Myanmar chaos, pulling out 253 billion baht

    Thai investors flee Myanmar chaos, pulling out 253 billion baht

    Thai companies are fleeing Myanmar amid escalating conflict and economic instability. The ongoing clash between Myanmar’s military government and opposition forces shows no signs of easing, prompting Thai firms to withdraw a staggering US$7 billion (around 253 billion baht) in investments. Once the third-largest investors in Myanmar, Thai companies are now ranked 5th, with investments plummeting from US$11.6 billion in…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket vendors warned over price gouging during inspections

    Phuket vendors warned over price gouging during inspections

    Police in Phuket yesterday conducted an inspection at Malin Plaza Patong Market and Banzaan Fresh Market, warning vendors against price gouging. The investigation, led by Pathumphon Yamkerd of the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office, took place yesterday, July 10, at the two markets, aiming to ensure fair pricing and enhance Phuket’s tourism reputation. Some vendors were found not displaying prices, a…

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  • Thailand News6 year old Thai girl rescued after being forced to deliver drugs

    6 year old Thai girl rescued after being forced to deliver drugs

    A Thai man in the central province of Suphan Buri organised the rescue of a six year old girl after witnessing her family members using drugs and forcing her to deliver narcotics throughout the community. Her home is only 500 metres from a police station but officers appeared to be unaware of the problem. The Thai man, identified only as…

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  • Thailand NewsYala ramps up security amid insurgent threat

    Yala ramps up security amid insurgent threat

    Security measures have been intensified in Yala as police respond to intelligence reports about insurgent movements, prompting an increase in patrols and checkpoints to ensure safety, particularly in urban areas, to reassure both residents and tourists. The district chief of Betong, Amorn Chumchuay, directed relevant agencies to integrate their forces and enhance security protocols throughout the district. Rapid response teams…

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  • Thailand NewsNew Bangkok tollgate sparks controversy

    New Bangkok tollgate sparks controversy

    Bangkok’s new tollgate on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway in Pathum Wan district has officially opened, promising to improve the city’s traffic flow—but not without sparking a heated debate. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced that the new Lumpini entrance will provide a crucial link from the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway to Wireless Road. This strategic shortcut is set…

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  • Thailand NewsJob scam victims demand justice after losing 100,000 baht each

    Job scam victims demand justice after losing 100,000 baht each

    Victims of a job scam involving an overseas employment agency have reported being defrauded of over 100,000 baht each, with more than 100 individuals affected. Despite local police reports, the case has seen no progress. At 11am today, July 11, a group of victims, led by 40 year old Kesinee, met with Police Lieutenant Roi-et Tanlert at the Central Investigation…

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  • Thailand NewsThai rice enthusiasts in US could win a trip to Thailand

    Thai rice enthusiasts in US could win a trip to Thailand

    The Thai Trade Centre in New York launched a tantalising campaign, Love Thai Food, Eat Thai Rice, inviting food lovers across the United States to share their passion for Thai food on social media. The prize of a trip to Thailand worth up to US$5,000 (around 180,000 baht) is up for grabs. Ketsuree Vijaranakorn, Director of the Thai Trade Centre,…

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  • Thailand NewsMonk gets ‘phoned’ in: Thief masquerades as benefactor in Buriram

    Monk gets ‘phoned’ in: Thief masquerades as benefactor in Buriram

    Earlier today a monk reported a theft incident where a man posing as a benefactor stole his mobile phone at a temple in Buriram. A man aged between 50 and 60 years old approached Wat Ban Takong in Buriram province, claiming he wanted to sponsor a meal for the monks. A resident monk at the temple, 60 year old Suthep…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man arrested for Facebook phone scam in central Thailand

    Thai man arrested for Facebook phone scam in central Thailand

    Police apprehended a young man at a railway station for allegedly selling mobile phones through a Facebook page, claiming his ex-girlfriend misused his bank account to deceive victims into transferring money without delivering the goods. The suspect, a 21 year old man named Denondai, was arrested by police at Nakhon Pathom Railway Station. The arrest was carried out by Pakapol…

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  • Thailand NewsCentral Thailand gas plant blast claims one life, injures another

    Central Thailand gas plant blast claims one life, injures another

    An explosion at a gas filling plant this afternoon, in the Doem Bang Nang Buat district of the central province of Suphan Buri, reportedly claimed the life of one worker and injured at least one other. The Thai News Agency reported, at around 2pm today, July 11, that several workers at the gas filling plant were trapped inside after the…

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  • Thailand NewsChinese foreign minister calls for ASEAN regional cooperation

    Chinese foreign minister calls for ASEAN regional cooperation

    During a meeting between the Thai and Chinese foreign ministers to discuss the consultation mechanisms between the two nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the importance of upholding the ASEAN-centered East Asian regional cooperation framework and rejecting exclusive small circles. Wang and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the second meeting between the foreign ministers. This two-day visit marked…

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  • Thailand NewsPhuket vies to host 2025 InterPride World Conference

    Phuket vies to host 2025 InterPride World Conference

    Phuket is gearing up to compete for the opportunity to host the 2025 InterPride World Conference, with local officials affirming the island province’s readiness. Governor Sophon Suwannarat led a ceremony for the Pride & Equality Phuket memorandum of understanding alongside representatives from both public and private sectors. The agreement, aimed at promoting gender equality, includes raising awareness about gender inclusivity,…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges

    Thailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges

    The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) issued a cautionary note to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, alerting them to the potential for a significant oversupply of EVs in the coming years. This warning arises from the production requirements stipulated under the EV 3.0 policy. This policy, which has been previously lauded for encouraging domestic EV production, offers import tax…

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  • Thailand NewsNew senate sworn in: Election results ‘seal’ the deal on fresh faces

    New senate sworn in: Election results ‘seal’ the deal on fresh faces

    The new Senate was inaugurated yesterday, July 10, following the Election Commission’s certification of the 2024 Senate election results. The ceremony saw 200 elected senators and a reserve list of 100 approved, though controversy struck early when Senator-elect Kordiyah Song-ngam was temporarily suspended due to her advisory role to the president of the Ang Thong Provincial Administration Organisation. The newly…

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  • Phuket NewsUproar over motorcycle accidents at Phuket’s rainbow crosswalk

    Uproar over motorcycle accidents at Phuket’s rainbow crosswalk

    A series of motorcycle accidents at the Rainbow Crosswalk at the Charter intersection in the Mueang Phuket district sparked widespread debate on social media. The vibrant crosswalk, a popular spot for tourists to take photos, became slippery during periods of rainfall, causing three to four motorcyclists to fall yesterday, July 10. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. In response to the…

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  • Thailand NewsCannabis crusaders’ hunger strike: High stakes classification protest

    Cannabis crusaders’ hunger strike: High stakes classification protest

    Cannabis supporters began a hunger strike yesterday in reaction to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) agreeing to reclassify cannabis as a Narcotics Category 5 drug. Marijuana was removed from Narcotics Category 5 on June 9, 2022, allowing people to use cannabis products containing no more than 2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for health-related purposes only, not recreation. While there were…

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  • HealthMayo Clinic issues warning that kratom is unsafe and ineffective

    Mayo Clinic issues warning that kratom is unsafe and ineffective

    Kratom, an herbal extract from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years. Marketed as a mood lifter, energy booster, pain reliever, and remedy for opioid withdrawal symptoms, it is commonly sold in health stores and online. Users report that at low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness and…

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  • Thailand NewsNine arrested in Songkhla drug raid, crystal meth seized

    Nine arrested in Songkhla drug raid, crystal meth seized

    A police raid on a house in Songkhla’s Mueang district led to the arrest of nine people for alleged drug use, along with the seizure of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Border Patrol Police executed the raid in Thung Wang subdistrict yesterday, July 10, discovering six men and three women partaking in a drug-fuelled party. The suspects attempted to escape upon seeing…

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  • Crime NewsTeen reports assault by intruder in her bedroom

    Teen reports assault by intruder in her bedroom

    A 17 year old girl reported to the police that a 27 year old man entered her bedroom and assaulted her while she was sleeping. The suspect, who initially claimed he entered the house to commit theft, denied the accusation of assault. The incident took place yesterday, July 10, when the girl, referred to as A, woke up at 5am…

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  • Thailand NewsNation Group announces partial salary suspension

    Nation Group announces partial salary suspension

    Nation Group announced a partial salary suspension for some employees due to a significant decline in advertising revenue across the media industry, driven by current economic conditions. Chairperson Chai Bunnag also opted to forego his salary. Nation Group released an announcement, numbered 015/2567, detailing the decision to partially suspend salaries. This measure comes in response to a sharp decrease in…

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  • Thailand NewsElderly woman with dementia found dead near Chai Nat home

    Elderly woman with dementia found dead near Chai Nat home

    An 87 year old woman with dementia was tragically found dead after wandering away from her home in Mueang Chai Nat District. Despite the family’s two-day search, her body was discovered only 100 metres from her residence. Phan Niamprayoon, who suffered from memory loss, went missing around noon yesterday, July 10, from her home in Hat Tha Sao Subdistrict. Her family…

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  • Thailand NewsJapanese tourists to flock to Thailand despite economic woes

    Japanese tourists to flock to Thailand despite economic woes

    To revive tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled dynamic strategies to draw Japanese tourists back to the Land of Smiles. Despite the yen’s depreciation, TAT Tokyo Office Director Kajorndet Apichartrakul remains optimistic about reversing the deficit in tourist numbers with Japan. Last year, 995,000 Thai tourists visited Japan, while only 804,000 Japanese tourists came to Thailand, resulting in…

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  • Crime NewsSoldier kills girlfriend with samurai sword in chilling Bangkok murder

    Soldier kills girlfriend with samurai sword in chilling Bangkok murder

    A chilling murder took place when a soldier brutally killed his girlfriend, a former housekeeper at the Thai Parliament, using a samurai sword. Officers from Sam Sen Police Station arrived at 9.20am yesterday to take custody of 24 year old Sunai, who is the main suspect in the murder of 30 year old Khemruthai. Khemruthai was found dead with a…

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  • Business NewsMinor International celebrates sustainable business achievements

    Minor International celebrates sustainable business achievements

    Minor International (MINT) is celebrating the efforts of businesses who have committed to sustainable growth and operating ethically. MINT, a Thai multinational company, specialises in hospitality, restaurant and lifestyle businesses located across 63 countries. Serving customers from the Asia-Pacific all the way to the America’s, MINT’s business portfolio consists of thousands of providers of food, hotels and tourism experiences. Seeing…

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  • Business NewsVietnam Airlines surges 179%, top-performing airline stock in 2024

    Vietnam Airlines surges 179%, top-performing airline stock in 2024

    Vietnam Airlines made a remarkable return to profit, emerging as the world’s best-performing airline stock this year. The state-owned carrier soared to 179% in 2024, buoyed by a resurgence in travel demand. This surge in performance has allowed the airline to post a significant first-quarter profit, breaking a streak of over four years of consecutive losses. This turnaround is particularly…

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  • Thailand NewsKuwaiti love triangle turns into violent brawl in Pattaya

    Kuwaiti love triangle turns into violent brawl in Pattaya

    A dramatic street fight erupted outside a Pattaya hotel, leaving bystanders in shock and fear. The violent altercation, captured on video by onlookers, prompted a swift police search for the assailant. The incident began as bystanders, including 43 year old chicken rice vendor Sompong Ruangkham, recorded the chaotic scene. “At first, we thought it was some big shot showing off.”…

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  • Crime NewsSenior officer arrested for aiding fraud and fake ID issuance

    Senior officer arrested for aiding fraud and fake ID issuance

    Police apprehended Lieutenant Colonel M. at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters for aiding state officials in committing fraud and facilitating the issuance of fake identification cards to foreign nationals. Today, July 11, Phumwisal Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), directed Manatsanan Charancharoenpong, Director of PACC Region 3, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Kamlueng, Director of the…

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  • EventsSiam Piwat partners with 40+ tourism firms for ‘ONESIAM Tourist Grand Giveaway’ campaign

    Siam Piwat partners with 40+ tourism firms for ‘ONESIAM Tourist Grand Giveaway’ campaign

    Siam Piwat Group, a leading property and retail developer – the owner and operator of leading global destinations including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, ICS and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is partnering with The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and over 40 leading tourism-related firms across 12 industries to host ‘ONESIAM Tourist Grand Giveaway’ campaign. The reward campaign aims…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok taxi rider’s suspicion leads to discovery of passenger’s body

    Bangkok taxi rider’s suspicion leads to discovery of passenger’s body

    A Thai motorcycle taxi rider tragically discovered the lifeless body of a regular customer on a camp bed in his apartment room after the man had been missing in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The body of 53 year old Thaweechai was found on a camp bed in his apartment in Soi Suksawat 70, Phrapradaeng district, Samut Prakan province, on…

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