Year: 2024

  • Thailand NewsPoker tournaments are becoming more popular in Thailand

    Poker tournaments are becoming more popular in Thailand

    Every day, more and more people in Thailand play live poker. A lot of expert poker players from Thailand are known all over the world. There are no specific rules against playing poker in a real-life setting, but it is against the law to bet on card games, which includes poker. The Thailand Gaming Act of 1935 says that dog…

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  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha in talks with BoT chief over handout scheme

    PM Srettha in talks with BoT chief over handout scheme

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has yet to address Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput’s staunch opposition to the government’s colossal 500-billion-baht handout scheme. Acknowledging the brewing conflict, PM Srettha admitted he and the central bank governor held divergent views, necessitating urgent discussions. Governor Sethaput, in a candid Bloomberg interview, criticised the sweeping economic stimulus, suggesting it was excessive…

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  • Thailand NewsPurrfect: Stray cats seek forever homes at Bangkok Expo 2024

    Purrfect: Stray cats seek forever homes at Bangkok Expo 2024

    Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park is buzzing with excitement as the BKK Expo 2024 rolls into town, inviting animal lovers to consider adopting stray cats and transforming lives one purr at a time. Deputy Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Governor Tavida Kamolvej announced today, June 20, that a variety of stray cats, now vaccinated and sterilised, are being showcased at the Sua Pa…

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  • Thailand NewsDefence ministry clarifies salary guidelines

    Defence ministry clarifies salary guidelines

    To quell public outrage, the Defence Ministry unveiled comprehensive guidelines detailing what can and cannot be deducted from conscripts’ salaries. The move follows a recent scandal involving dubious salary deductions by the 22nd Logistics and Supports Battalion. The guidelines, released on the ministry’s website today, clarify the permissible deductions from the 11,000 baht monthly salary of conscripts. This announcement comes…

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  • Thailand NewsLimited-edition banknotes issued to celebrate king’s birthday

    Limited-edition banknotes issued to celebrate king’s birthday

    The Bank of Thailand has released a stunning series of commemorative banknotes, igniting a frenzy among collectors and royal enthusiasts. These special 100-baht notes are designed to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, marking his 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28. Available from July 23, these exclusive notes are already creating waves. Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok commuters go bananas as monkey halts BTS traffic

    Bangkok commuters go bananas as monkey halts BTS traffic

    A passenger today spotted a monkey on the railway track at Bang Wa BTS Station in Bangkok. Officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced they hope to catch the animal as soon as possible to avoid any possible accidents. The Red Skull News X account shared a video of a monkey walking along the…

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  • Thailand NewsSouth Korean tourist plummets from 27th floor in Chon Buri

    South Korean tourist plummets from 27th floor in Chon Buri

    A 54 year old South Korean tourist was found dead after leaping from the 27th floor of a luxury condominium in Sri Racha, Chon Buri. Police were alerted to the scene at an undisclosed condominium in Sri Racha. Upon arrival, police and rescue workers found the lifeless body of Min Chucha, a South Korean tourist, lying motionless on the ground.…

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  • Thailand NewsExploitative Chinese tour operations targeted by Tourism Ministry

    Exploitative Chinese tour operations targeted by Tourism Ministry

    The Ministry of Tourism and Sports pledged decisive action against Chinese zero-sum tour operations exploiting Thai nominees to dominate the influx of Chinese tourists by offering significant price cuts, posing a severe threat to local Thai tour operators. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) raised the alarm earlier this week, noting a surge in Chinese tour groups reminiscent of…

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  • Thailand NewsTemple tragedy: Friends turn foes in bizarre brawl

    Temple tragedy: Friends turn foes in bizarre brawl

    A brawl left two friends critically injured in a surreal spectacle opposite the serene Huai Yai Temple in East Pattaya. Two friends turned their playful banter into a shocking duel on Tuesday, June 18. One of the men, 36 year old Weerayut Chomthalak was found at the scene with a severe head injury, bleeding profusely and possibly under the influence.…

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  • Thailand NewsPhuket crowned Thailand’s tech haven

    Phuket crowned Thailand’s tech haven

    Phuket has been declared Thailand’s most technologically advanced province among 23 smart provinces, while Wangchan Valley in Rayong clinched the top spot in the city category, according to a report by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). The rankings, unveiled by DEPA’s Smart Cities Office in the Thailand Smart City Competitiveness Index (TSCCI) 2023 report, evaluated 30 smart cities across…

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  • Thailand NewsLazada denies divestment plans in Thailand amid growing rumours

    Lazada denies divestment plans in Thailand amid growing rumours

    Lazada Group has firmly denied any plans for divestment in Thailand, asserting that there are no ongoing discussions with investors regarding such a move. A company spokesperson addressed the circulating rumours. “Lazada Group is not considering any divestment of our business in Thailand and is not in discussion with any investors on this topic. Any rumours stating otherwise are untrue.”…

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  • Thailand NewsCops hunt Khon Kaen w*nker: Serial flasher exposed on video

    Cops hunt Khon Kaen w*nker: Serial flasher exposed on video

    Police are searching for a Thai pervert for repeatedly masturbating in public in front of a group of women in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. The man was arrested for theft just a few weeks before the debauched incidents. The depraved suspect, identified only as 32 year old Billy, is wanted by officers at Thapra Police Station in Khon Kaen…

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  • Thailand News81% of hazardous cadmium waste returned to Tak province

    81% of hazardous cadmium waste returned to Tak province

    Nearly 81% of mishandled hazardous cadmium waste, totalling approximately 13,000 tonnes, has been returned to its source in Tak province, with the remaining waste in Samut Sakhon and Chon Buri provinces awaiting transport. The Ministry of Industry reported today that 10,507 tonnes of tailings had been delivered to Bound and Beyond Plc in Tak, accounting for 81% of the 12,948…

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  • Thailand NewsOnline shoppers in Thailand warned about second-hand scams

    Online shoppers in Thailand warned about second-hand scams

    Online shopping for second-hand goods offers convenience and variety at the click of a button but it also comes with risks. Anti-Fake News Centre Thailand recently warned the public to be vigilant when purchasing second-hand items online to avoid falling victim to scams and inadvertently buying stolen goods. The rise in popularity of online shopping has attracted not only genuine…

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  • Thailand NewsVape escape: Cyber police seize e-cigarettes worth 17 million baht

    Vape escape: Cyber police seize e-cigarettes worth 17 million baht

    Cyber police raided two key locations, dismantling a major e-cigarette network and seizing over 80,000 items worth more than 17 million baht. Two suspects were apprehended, claiming they were merely caretakers. Earlier today at the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) headquarters in Mueang Thong Thani, TCSD Commissioner, Navin Sengsomwong, alongside relevant police authorities and representatives from the National Tobacco Products…

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  • Thailand NewsTAT’s plan to lure long-haul tourists with 3.5 trillion baht goal

    TAT’s plan to lure long-haul tourists with 3.5 trillion baht goal

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled an ambitious strategy to boost tourism revenue to a staggering 3.5 trillion baht by year-end, focusing on long-distance markets. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, outlined the plan yesterday, revealing that tourists from far-flung corners of the globe are crucial to hitting the government’s lofty…

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  • Thailand NewsTorsak Sukvimol reinstated as National Police Chief

    Torsak Sukvimol reinstated as National Police Chief

    Police General Torsak Sukvimol has resumed his role as National Police Chief following an investigation into a prominent internal conflict, as announced by Wissanu Krea-ngam, an advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Wissanu disclosed the results of the investigation, which was initiated by the prime minister through a fact-finding committee led by Chatchai Promlert. The inquiry scrutinised the discord between…

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  • Thailand NewsForest fires cut Thailand tourism revenue by 400 million baht

    Forest fires cut Thailand tourism revenue by 400 million baht

    Forest fires in Thailand have severely impacted the economy, with annual tourism revenue dropping from 2 billion baht to 1.6 billion baht. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is urgently implementing prevention plans to address these issues. Director of the National Park Office at the DNP, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn revealed that most forest fires are human-induced, resulting…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCould cannabis help combat Covid-19?

    Could cannabis help combat Covid-19?

    Recent research suggests that cannabis compounds may play a role in preventing and treating Covid-19. Studies have shown that cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, could potentially prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of the disease. Cannabinoids and Covid prevention A comprehensive review conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, indicates that cannabinoids might be used…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours

    Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours

    The Government of Thailand dashed hopes of extended alcohol sales hours, citing alarming statistics on road casualties and accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the decision following a tense panel meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, asserting that public safety must take precedence. “The ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee reviewed road accident statistics and related legal implications, recognising the…

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  • Thailand NewsBrief encounter: Cobra sneaks into man’s boxers in Rayong (video)

    Brief encounter: Cobra sneaks into man’s boxers in Rayong (video)

    Snake Rescue Rayong officials safely removed a cobra that slithered into the boxer shorts of a Thai man while he slept. A rescuer and an exotic pet lover shared a video and some words of the rescue operation on his Facebook account, Ner KhwaiTai, on June 8. “A little cobra with big venom. It seeks warmth in human’s boxer shorts.…

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  • Thailand NewsBuriram bust-up: Minibus driver assaults woman over school run

    Buriram bust-up: Minibus driver assaults woman over school run

    A heated altercation occurred in Buriram yesterday when a local minibus driver assaulted a woman, who was picking up village children for school, the driver was angered by the encroachment into his minibus territory. The incident, which occurred around 7am yesterday on a village road in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram, was witnessed by several parents and schoolchildren who were left…

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  • Thailand NewsMalaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project

    Malaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project

    China’s plans to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) into Thailand are set to transform Southeast Asian trade. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the initiative during his visit to Malaysia yesterday. The US$10 billion (approximately 366 billion baht) ECRL, a key project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Malaysia’s east and west coasts by 2026. Initially…

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  • Crime NewsPolice bust cross-border vehicle theft gang in Ubon Ratchathani

    Police bust cross-border vehicle theft gang in Ubon Ratchathani

    Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers, along with Ubon Ratchathani Highway Police, apprehended a gang involved in stealing and selling vehicles across borders. The suspects admitted to stealing three motorcycles in a single day, earning 14,000 baht for their efforts. Today, June 20, Kirati Hoemsrichat, Police Lieutenant Colonel of Highway Police Division 4, led the operation with the CIB. The officers…

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  • Thailand NewsDon Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht

    Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht

    Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22. The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket lifeguards raise red flags as surf conditions turn deadly

    Phuket lifeguards raise red flags as surf conditions turn deadly

    Lifeguards today have raised red no swimming flags along Patong Beach, urging all residents and tourists to avoid entering the water. This follows a notice issued yesterday by Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, acting on behalf of the governor of Phuket. The red flags indicate areas deemed too dangerous for swimming due to heavy surf conditions. Despite these warnings, some…

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  • Road deathsBuriram teen tragically dies in motorcycle crash with parked truck

    Buriram teen tragically dies in motorcycle crash with parked truck

    A high school student tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident when he collided with a parked 10-wheeler truck while on his way to school. The incident occurred at 7.30am today, June 20, on the Nang Rong-Pakham road, near the entrance to Sub Phra Ya Subdistrict, Nang Rong District, Buriram Province. Police Lieutenant Weerawut Ratprakhon, Deputy Inspector of Nong…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man demands bank accountability after 100k ATM malfunction

    Thai man demands bank accountability after 100k ATM malfunction

    A Thai man demanded that a bank take action and responsibility after he lost 100,000 baht in cash due to a malfunction at an automated teller machine (ATM) in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The victim, 29 year old Dunlathorn, filed a complaint with Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station regarding the loss. He explained that as a lottery seller, he had deposited…

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  • Thailand NewsAmerican tourist and Thai girlfriend drown in Phuket

    American tourist and Thai girlfriend drown in Phuket

    An American tourist and his Thai girlfriend drowned after allegedly ignoring a red flag weather warning at Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. The bodies of 45 year old James Edmond Newman from New York, and 48 year old Waranya Chanphai from Surin province, were discovered on Monday morning, June 17. Police Major Ronnapoom Permpoon of the Thachatchai Police Station stated…

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  • World NewsScorching temps claims over 550 Hajj pilgrims in Mecca

    Scorching temps claims over 550 Hajj pilgrims in Mecca

    Around 550 pilgrims have lost their lives to the intense heat during this year’s Hajj, highlighting the challenging nature of the pilgrimage, where scorching summer temperatures climbed above 50 degrees Celcius. Among the deceased, 323 were Egyptians, with most succumbing to heat-related conditions, according to two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries’ responses, as reported by AFP. A diplomat noted that…

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  • Crime NewsPhuket police seize drugs and pen gun in major Chalong bust

    Phuket police seize drugs and pen gun in major Chalong bust

    Phuket Provincial Police arrested a 28 year old man in Chalong for possession of over 4,800 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba, more than 22 grammes of crystal meth and a homemade pen gun. Led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phichit Thongto, Chief of the Crime Suppression Division at Phuket Provincial Police, officers apprehended Surawut Ratanaliam at a rented room off…

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  • Thailand NewsIsaan hospital probe urged after alleged misdiagnoses lead to deaths

    Isaan hospital probe urged after alleged misdiagnoses lead to deaths

    Non-profit organisation Be One is demanding an investigation into Phra Thong Kham Hospital in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima following reports of more than 10 patient deaths due to alleged misdiagnoses. The issue came to light after the death of 15 year old Natdanai, who sustained serious head injuries in a motorcycle accident and was admitted to Phra Thong…

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  • Thailand NewsCargo plane chaos shuts down Hong Kong International Airport

    Cargo plane chaos shuts down Hong Kong International Airport

    Hong Kong’s quest to reclaim its status as a premier international aviation hub hit turbulence this week when a cargo plane incident brought Hong Kong International Airport to a standstill. Cathay Pacific Airways’ gradual resumption of services to pre-pandemic levels has been overshadowed by the chaos caused by a runway shutdown. A runway closure following a cargo plane emergency forced…

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  • FoodTraditional Thai desserts you must try

    Traditional Thai desserts you must try

    If you’re coming to Thailand to try some authentic Thai desserts, these are some treats that are significant in Thailand. Thailand’s rich culinary tradition extends to its desserts, which are a delightful blend of flavours, textures, and colours. Here are some must-try traditional Thai desserts that showcase the best of Thai sweets. Must-try traditional Thai desserts Khanom Bueang Khanom Bueang,…

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  • Phuket NewsCutting-edge ambulance delivered to Chalong Hospital, Phuket

    Cutting-edge ambulance delivered to Chalong Hospital, Phuket

    In a collaborative effort to enhance emergency responses in southern Phuket, Rawai Municipality, the Rotary Club of Andaman, and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce have come together to donate a cutting-edge emergency ambulance to Chalong Hospital. The donation ceremony was spearheaded by Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos, alongside the former President of the Rotary Club of Andaman, and the club’s current…

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  • Thailand NewsSky-high opportunities: Vietjet Thailand holds recruitment event

    Sky-high opportunities: Vietjet Thailand holds recruitment event

    Vietjet Thailand took off with its largest recruitment event in six years on June 15, transforming the Paragon Cineplex in Siam Paragon into a bustling hub of aviation career opportunities. This year’s Sky Career Festival, an annual extravaganza since 2018, saw the launch of Vietjet Thailand’s groundbreaking Major Cadet Pilot Training Programme. Over 10,000 eager attendees flocked to explore diverse…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand eyes cleaner energy with new power plan for 2024 to 2037

    Thailand eyes cleaner energy with new power plan for 2024 to 2037

    Thailand’s revised power development plan (PDP) is set to be submitted for approval after a week-long public hearing concluded yesterday, the implementation of the plan by year’s end, will steer the country towards cleaner energy. Central to Thailand’s commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the PDP is expected to provide a clearer path for the nation. Thailand announced its commitment…

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