Year: 2024
- Thailand News
Early retirement scheme slashes Thai Defence senior ranks
The Cabinet approved an early retirement scheme for senior Defence Ministry officials, effective this October. According to insider sources, the initiative is set to revolutionise the armed forces by offering retirement packages to over 700 top brass. The ambitious three-year campaign aims to retire 732 high-ranking officials, approximately 244 each year, slashing the defence budget by an impressive 4.47 billion…
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Motorcyclist crashes into taxi after road rage incident (video)
A motorcyclist, in a blind fit of road rage with a car, neglected to assess the surrounding traffic and rear-ended a taxi. The incident, captured on video and shared widely online, has sparked a flurry of comments from social media users. The heated dispute was posted on a Facebook page, with the clip showing a motorcyclist getting into an altercation…
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Thailand’s BOI opens first Saudi branch amid growing ties
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) will inaugurate its first branch in Saudi Arabia this week, signalling a new chapter in economic relations between the two nations. The new office in Riyadh, opening this Sunday, July 14, marks a significant step in fostering investment and business growth. This strategic expansion has drawn high-profile attendees, including Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and over…
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Thailand’s oldest oilfield to get 300 million baht redevelopment
Thailand’s oldest oilfield is set for redevelopment with a budget of 300 million baht, as announced by the Defence Energy Department’s Northern Petroleum Development Centre (NPDC). The redevelopment plan of Fang Oilfield in Chiang Mai includes upgrading the oil refinery to Euro5 standards, enabling it to produce lower-sulphur diesel that is safe for car engines, according to Montri Jeennakorn, director…
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Checkpoint bust: Kanchanaburi police seize pills and heroin stash
Police in Kanchanaburi yesterday arrested a drug trafficker at a checkpoint for smuggling 20,000 methamphetamine pills and 17 kilogrammes of heroin. The man confessed to transporting the drugs for a friend’s nephew in exchange for motorcycle repair costs. Police set up a checkpoint on the Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri route after receiving a tip-off about a grey Chevrolet transporting drugs…
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GAC AION charges ahead in Thailand with new EV hub in Rayong
China’s 4th-largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, GAC AION New Energy Automobile, is gearing up to revolutionise Thailand’s automotive landscape with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) on July 17. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul announced that the cutting-edge plant, costing a staggering 2.3 billion baht, is poised to kick off operations by November. Boasting…
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Serpent’s kiss: 4 metre python found in company bathroom
A large python measuring over 4 metres was discovered slithering into the roof of a bathroom at a staff residence of a prominent company. The snake had previously bitten an employee, requiring nearly 40 stitches. The python was found again yesterday, July 9 at 10am. Rescue workers from Chachoengsao were alerted to the presence of a massive python inside the…
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Amata City factory in Rayong to close by January 2025
A long-standing company in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong, is set to close its doors after 20 years, gradually laying off employees to complete the process by the end of this year or at the latest by January 2025. This news, posted by the News Chon Buri-Rayong Online page, has sent shockwaves through the local workforce, as the company is…
Read More » - Thailand News
Japanese man arrested for assaulting and detaining Thai ex
Immigration Bureau officers arrested a Japanese man for physically assaulting and detaining his Thai ex-girlfriend. He also overstayed his visa while hiding from arrest in a Japanese kidnapping case. The Thai woman, identified only as Bee, filed a police complaint stating that her Japanese ex-boyfriend, Ichiro, physically abused and detained her during their relationship. Bee said Ichiro exhibited aggressive behaviour…
Read More » - Thailand News
Ads for cosmetic procedures by medical professionals banned
The Medical Council of Thailand issued a new regulation prohibiting medical professionals from advertising their expertise in cosmetic procedures. This announcement aims to ensure ethical practices and provide accurate information to the public. Today, July 10, the Royal Gazette published Medical Council Announcement No. 39/2567 regarding the advertising of cosmetic procedures by medical practitioners. This regulation, effective immediately, aims to…
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Thailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims
The Thai government fiercely defended 40 Buriram Rajabhat University graduates against allegations of cheating in their competitive exams for assistant teaching positions. Rumours have been swirling that the graduates were aided by leaked exam papers, a suspicion magnified by the fact that the Minister of Education, Permpoon Chidchob, is from Buriram province. Addressing the controversy, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime…
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Seoul-searching: South korea & Thailand kickstart trade pact talks
The Trade Ministry of South Korea yesterday announced the initiation of negotiations with Thailand to establish an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The South Korean delegation, headed by Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations Roh Keon-ki, is set to engage in discussions with his Thai counterpart, Chotima Iemsawasdikul, in Bangkok through until tomorrow, as reported by…
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Oil smuggling fugitive escapes with politician’s help
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers are seeking warrants for the arrests of six individuals allegedly involved in the brazen hijacking of three oil smuggling vessels from the Marine Police Division’s pier in Sattahip on June 11. Police Colonel Anek Taosuparb, CSD Deputy Commander, revealed to the media today, July 10, that two of the six suspects, including the ringleader known…
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PM Srettha highlights key achievements in first year of office
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin asserted yesterday that his administration has made significant progress in its first year, countering criticisms from opposition parties and some dissatisfied members of the Pheu Thai Party. The Thai premier yesterday, July 9, emphasised that more accomplishments will become evident over time. Addressing claims that the government had yet to deliver tangible results, the Bangkok-born PM…
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Northern Thailand: Fire destroys home, injures elderly woman
A devastating fire destroyed a home in Phrae province, leaving an elderly, disabled woman injured. Police and local agencies swiftly moved to assist following the incident, which occurred at noon today. The tragedy unfolded when a fire broke out at a single-story wooden house in Village 6, Taopoon subdistrict, Song district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Krittipoom Thaboon received the alert and…
Read More » - Press Room
Kumar’s ‘Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines’ hits Bangkok in September 2024
Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines is Kumar’s latest stand-up comedy special after the global success of Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits. The show will be presented on September 28th at Amari Bangkok Hotel at 8.30pm following a `sold out’ tour in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney in Australia and Auckland, New Zealand earlier this May 2024. The new show headlines a laughter-filled…
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Foreign man smashes car window and tries to assault Lao man
A Laotian businessman demanded that a foreigner in the Isaan province of Udon Thani take responsibility for smashing his car window and attempting to punch him in the face. Mueang Udon Thani Police Station was alerted to investigate a damaged car at Nong Bua Market Intersection at 4pm yesterday, July 9. Upon arrival, officers met the car’s owner, a 68…
Read More » - Health
Tips for preventing screen vision issues due to blue light
In today’s digital age, many people spend hours staring at screens and being splashed by blue light whether for work, entertainment, or social interaction. This prolonged screen time can lead to Screen Vision Issues. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining eye health and overall well-being. What are Screen Vision Issues? Screen Vision Issues refer to a variety…
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Police arrest Russian gang leader for sale of counterfeit passports
Thai immigration officials apprehended the leader of a Russian gang involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit passports. The operation, which caused damages exceeding 30 million baht, had its manufacturing hub in the Dominican Republic before smuggling the fake documents into Thailand. Today, July 10, the Immigration Bureau held a press conference to announce the arrest of 44 year…
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Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians
Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender. Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head…
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Alleged child rapist arrested after fatal assault of a toddler
A one-year-old toddler tragically died after being assaulted and sexually abused by her nanny’s husband in Nakhon Nayok. The incident has led to additional charges being considered by the police. The atmosphere at Nakhon Nayok Hospital was filled with sorrow as the child’s relatives, who had been by her side since she was admitted, received the heartbreaking news earlier today, July…
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New Thai Airways deal supercharges UK-Asia courier service
Heathrow Airport’s only on-site express courier handler, CFL, inked a three-year deal with Thai Airways (THAI), boosting courier capacity between the UK and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. CFL Chief Executive Matthew Ware expressed his excitement. “We are delighted to formalise this important partnership with THAI. Exporting is vital for the UK economy, and this deal will give UK businesses…
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Ang Thong park still positive amid worst coral bleaching in decades
Ang Thong National Marine Park is experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with conditions expected to improve by August. The park anticipates earning over 40 million baht in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Ang Thong National Marine Park is grappling with a significant coral bleaching crisis, its most severe case in the last…
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Thailand’s plan to turn food waste into lifesavers
Thailand unveiled a plan to tackle food waste and hunger. The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has teamed up with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) to outline the creation of a national food bank. NSTDA’s vice president for strategy and budgeting, Nuanwan Sanguansak, spearheaded a public hearing on Sunday, July 7, aimed at gathering feedback on managing…
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Debate over gender-neutral toilets gains traction in Thailand
The debate over the concept of gender-neutral toilets in Thai society has sparked widespread discussion online. The issue arose after a proposal for exclusive LGBTQIA+ toilets was put forward, prompting questions about the feasibility of gender-neutral restrooms in Thailand. As many countries, including Thailand, become more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ communities, laws such as the Marriage Equality Act have been enacted…
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Thai MP aims to ‘stimulate’ economy with sex industry legalisation
A Move Forward Party (MFP) MP today announced plans on social media to legalise professions related to the pornography and sex toy industries in Thailand by revising the Criminal Law of Thailand. The revision draft is expected to be proposed during Parliament today, July 10. The MFP MP, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, shared his plan to legalise professions related to porn and…
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No plastics allowed: Koh Nang Yuan protects coral reefs
Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Koh Nang Yuan, renowned for its three interconnected islets with pristine white sands, has long upheld a strict no-plastic policy. This rule extends to the thousands of tourists who flock to its shores each day,…
Read More » - Crime News
Thai police apprehend 16 Myanmar migrants and four smugglers
Sixteen illegal migrants from Myanmar and four Thai smugglers were apprehended early today after the migrants were found crammed into a pickup truck at a drug checkpoint in Phayuha Khiri district, Nakhon Sawan. Drug suppression police, stationed at the checkpoint, flagged down a black pickup with Bangkok licence plates around 1am. Acting on information that two suspected vehicles were travelling…
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Minor earthquake shakes Koh Samui, residents feel tremors
An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.0 shook Koh Samui in the middle of the night, causing residents in Bo Phut, Koh Samui in Surat Thani to feel the tremors. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the earthquake occurred at 12.14am today, July 10, at a depth of 1 kilometre. Several residents reported feeling the tremors, including those in…
Read More » - Health
Men working shifts can suffer from premature ejaculation
Did you know that working night shifts could be affecting more than just your sleep? New research has found a link between shift work and premature ejaculation (PE) in men. This connection stems from disruptions in your body’s natural rhythms, affecting hormone levels and neurotransmitter activity. What is shift work sleep disorder? Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a condition…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Armed men disguised as soldiers raid Yala villages, steal firearms
Armed men disguised as soldiers and rangers executed a series of robberies targeting village headmen and defence volunteers in Yala‘s southern border province last night, making off with several firearms. Around 8.30pm, July 9, approximately 10 armed men with covered faces, dressed like soldiers, stormed a defence volunteer station in Ban Krong Pinang, Krong Pinang district. They seized a shotgun…
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PM Srettha to meet Malaysian PM for peace talks
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a high-stakes meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a southern border province on August 3, though the exact location remains undecided. The Thai premier hinted that Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat could be the chosen venue. “My team is making arrangements.” While the specifics of the agenda are under wraps, the Bangkok-born PM…
Read More » - China News
Baidu’s robotaxis face backlash from Wuhan taxi drivers
Baidu’s fleet of over 500 autonomous taxis (robotaxis) in Wuhan is rapidly attracting customers, despite backlash from locals and taxi drivers. The Apollo Go service, which launched in August 2022, has become so popular in this city of 13.7 million that local taxi drivers are now urging the municipal transport authority to limit its use. In late June, Wuhan Jianshe…
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Engineer found dead in car at Phetchaburi petrol station
A petrol station worker was shocked to find an engineer from a well-known company dead inside his car parked in front of the restroom. Police quickly arrived to investigate, suspecting a health condition as the cause of death. At around 9.27am today, July 10, Sunanta Rodpetch, an investigating officer from Phetchaburi City Police Station, received a report of an unconscious…
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Trang underwear bandit leaves a woman in ‘brief’ terror
A woman in Trang is living in fear after a thief stole all her underwear, valued at tens of thousands of baht, from her clothes line. Despite reporting the incident nearly four months ago, the case remains unsolved, leaving her anxious about her safety and property. A private company employee, 35 year old Khwan Siri Klangjui, referenced the clothes line…
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Pattaya crackdown on illegal motorcycle parking: Positive response
Pattaya City’s new campaign against the chaos of illegally parked motorcycles, launched yesterday, July 9, was met with a positive response. Targeting the bustling area outside Terminal 21 shopping mall on North Pattaya Road, the initiative aims to reclaim the sidewalks from rogue drivers, urging the public to cooperate. “This campaign is excellent! It would be even better if enforced…
Read More » - Health
Exercise boosts cancer-killing immune cells in women with breast cancer
A recent study from the University of Turku in Finland has found that a 30-minute exercise session can significantly increase the proportion of cancer-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of women with breast cancer. This is exciting news because it shows how something as simple as a short workout can boost the body’s ability to fight cancer. The power…
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