Year: 2024

  • Retire in ThailandBoosting economic growth in the face of rising retirement

    Boosting economic growth in the face of rising retirement

    In the continuously evolving landscape of global economies, the dynamics of retirement and their consequential impact on economic growth have ignited substantial discourse. One may be intrigued by how modifications in the retirement age and advancements in life expectancy are influencing our economic future. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between retirement policies and economic vitality,…

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  • Thailand NewsLegacy hunt: Heirs sought for lineage of luminaries

    Legacy hunt: Heirs sought for lineage of luminaries

    A search has begun for the rightful heirs to the estate of five prominent individuals from a distinguished family line, including a former minister in the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram and a former judge. The quest to identify these heirs comes ahead of the inheritance distribution scheduled for May 2, this year. In a recent edition of the…

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  • Business NewsExim Bank of Thailand grows 7.05%, focusing on green lending

    Exim Bank of Thailand grows 7.05%, focusing on green lending

    Exim Bank of Thailand reported substantial growth in its first-quarter operations for 2023, with significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lending. The bank, led by Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, approved new loans amounting to 5,853 million baht, with outstanding loans and obligations increasing by 11,474 million baht, representing a 7.05% growth compared to the same period last year. Remarkably, ESG-related…

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  • China News12 year old in China diagnosed with rare terminal lung cancer

    12 year old in China diagnosed with rare terminal lung cancer

    A 12 year old boy in China has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, leaving his parents devastated after a hospital visit revealed their worst fears. The discovery came after the mother of the child, referred to as Xiao Jia, noticed a hard lump the size of a pigeon’s egg on her son’s left clavicle, which, alarmingly, did not cause…

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  • Thailand NewsHot under the collar: Lampang’s stray dogs face sizzling struggle

    Hot under the collar: Lampang’s stray dogs face sizzling struggle

    As temperatures in Lampang soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius, the plight of over 400 stray dogs at Wat Weluwanaram has become a serious concern. The intense heatwave, persisting for nearly a month has prompted the temple’s abbot to take immediate action to alleviate the dogs’ suffering. Vichai Akkadecho, the abbot of Wat Weluwanaram, located at 389 Moo 8, Lampang-Denchai Road,…

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  • Thailand NewsSouthern simmer: Betong noodle vendor stays grounded as prices boil over

    Southern simmer: Betong noodle vendor stays grounded as prices boil over

    In the southern Thai town of Betong, Yala Province, consumers and food vendors are feeling the pinch as the prices of essential goods and ingredients creep upward. Amidst this economic squeeze, one noodle vendor remains resolute in her commitment to her customers, refusing to increase prices despite soaring operational costs. The 45 year old woman, Lampai Langprakhon, who runs Nuch…

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  • Thailand NewsShocking footage: Fatal pickup accident captured on livestream

    Shocking footage: Fatal pickup accident captured on livestream

    A Thai pickup driver left netizens and friends stunned as he streamed a video while driving, only for his livestream to capture his fatal car accident on April 30. The Red Skull Twitter account shared a livestream of the pickup driver, whose identity has not been revealed “The driver’s last moments. Livestreaming while driving. His tyre unexpectedly exploded. He lost control…

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  • LifestyleExplore Phuket’s biggest shopping mall: The new Jungceylon Phuket

    Explore Phuket’s biggest shopping mall: The new Jungceylon Phuket

    Everyone in Phuket knows what Jungceylon is – the biggest shopping mall in Patong, Phuket. Recently undergoing a renovation, this mall has become the ultimate destination for any shopping enthusiast. It has an impressive collection of apparel, accessories, beauty products, and electronics, just to name a few. Plus, it’s also the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s MRTA tests smart parking system for free

    Thailand’s MRTA tests smart parking system for free

    Bangkok motorists have the opportunity to utilise the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRTA) innovative smart parking system free of charge during its testing phase. Starting yesterday, May 1, the Orange Line’s 10-storey Park’n’Ride facility on Ramkhamhaeng Road and a parking ground at the MRTA station on Rama IX Road are open for the public to test out. The…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok Police Hospital initiates comprehensive care program

    Bangkok Police Hospital initiates comprehensive care program

    The Police General Hospital announced a proactive healthcare initiative dubbed Police Care for the People, aimed at providing comprehensive medical services to police officers, their families, and the general public. This project, revealed on May 2, this year, is in line with the policies set forth by the acting national police chief and encompasses a broad range of medical specialities.…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok man arrested for luring underage teen (video)

    Bangkok man arrested for luring underage teen (video)

    The five month ordeal for a family came to a head when police arrested a 24 year old man, infamously known as “Frame Wave125,” for allegedly luring a teenage girl to live with him at a construction site. This arrest followed a dramatic chase, with police finding an improvised firearm during the search of the suspect’s room today. The case…

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  • Phuket NewsFatal motorbike crash in Phuket raises road safety concerns

    Fatal motorbike crash in Phuket raises road safety concerns

    A fatal accident occurred in Phuket early today when a Honda Wave 110 motorbike crashed into a roadside concrete table, claiming the life of a 45 year old passenger. The 44 year old motorbike driver, Nikorn Srirod, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the unfortunate event. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, in front of Mueang Mai City…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok officer severely injured in unexpected knife attack

    Bangkok officer severely injured in unexpected knife attack

    A heated altercation in Bangkok led to a violent attack on a police officer, who sustained severe head injuries after an unsuccessful attempt to de-escalate the situation, ultimately culminating in the officer being struck in the head with a bread knife in a blind fit of rage. The incident occurred in front of a gas station on Krung Kasem Road…

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  • Thailand NewsThai authorities seize over 1000 endangered tortoises

    Thai authorities seize over 1000 endangered tortoises

    In the latest crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade, six individuals were apprehended in the southern province of Chumphon, Thailand, for possession and transportation of a significant number of endangered species. The suspects were found with over 1,000 radiated tortoises and dozens of lemurs in their possession, intended for sale in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, according to the…

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  • Thailand NewsTikTokers praise American’s helmet donation in Pattaya (video)

    TikTokers praise American’s helmet donation in Pattaya (video)

    Thai TikTok users applauded the generosity of an American man in Pattaya for handing out motorcycle helmets to children. He made known plans to give away a million helmets to children across Thailand. The 57 year old American man, Rick Brown, shared videos of himself distributing free motorcycle helmets to children on his TikTok account, @savvyrickbrown. The children appeared to…

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  • Retire in ThailandRural vs city retirement: Costs, healthcare, and lifestyle compared

    Rural vs city retirement: Costs, healthcare, and lifestyle compared

    Picking the perfect spot to retire in Thailand is like choosing between a cosy blanket and a thrilling book; both have their charms! If you’re mulling over this big step, it’s cool to weigh up the laid-back vibes of rural areas against the lively buzz of its cities. Fancy a quiet nook surrounded by nature? After retirement, rural Thailand could…

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  • Thailand NewsCar accident in Chachoengsao kills father and daughter

    Car accident in Chachoengsao kills father and daughter

    In a tragic turn of events, a father and his 3 year old daughter were killed in a road accident today near Chachoengsao when their car lost control and struck an electric pole. Both were found lifeless, the father holding his daughter tightly in a final embrace. At the scene, emergency responders discovered a black Toyota Camry with Bangkok license…

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  • LifestyleYour ultimate guide to the new Jungceylon Phuket

    Your ultimate guide to the new Jungceylon Phuket

    Have you been to the revamped Jungceylon Shopping Centre Phuket yet? After undergoing extensive renovations, the mall finally launched its fresh new look in October 2023. And we have to admit, it is now better than ever. Today, it boasts a new identity as “The Oasis of Shopping,” with a refreshed shopping experience (over 300 stores!), upgraded services, and fun…

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  • Business NewsBitcoin ETFs close with largest discounts due to crypto plunge

    Bitcoin ETFs close with largest discounts due to crypto plunge

    The largest spot-Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) closed today with significant discounts to their underlying asset values, the biggest since their inception. This disparity emerged when the cryptocurrency plunged to its lowest in two months, consequently affecting the ETFs’ Bitcoin value tracking. The iShares Bitcoin Trust, a US$16 billion fund, closed approximately 1.7% below its net asset value. Other funds like…

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  • Thailand NewsAstraZeneca vaccine linked to blood clots in 7 Thai recipients

    AstraZeneca vaccine linked to blood clots in 7 Thai recipients

    The Department of Disease Control announced that out of the 20 million Thai citizens who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, seven developed blood clots, with two resulting in fatalities. These adverse effects were confirmed to occur within 42 days post-inoculation. Today the Director-General of the Disease Control Department, Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, spoke about the vaccine’s side effects, emphasising that the incidences of…

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  • Pattaya NewsIllegal chemical warehouse in Ayutthaya razed by overnight inferno

    Illegal chemical warehouse in Ayutthaya razed by overnight inferno

    An inferno swept through an unauthorised chemical warehouse in Phachi, Ayutthaya, leading to the combustion of over four tonnes of impounded chemical waste. Thai media outlets first broke the news of the fire at 6pm, yesterday, May 1, depicting a scene of roaring flames and a thick blanket of chemical smoke suffocating the area. The pungent smell that pervaded the…

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  • Thailand News28 year old Thai woman poses as child to avoid theft charges

    28 year old Thai woman poses as child to avoid theft charges

    A 28 year old Thai woman lied about her age, claiming she was 13 years old, in an attempt to avoid charges for repeated thefts in the central province of Nonthaburi. The victim, 43 year old Sakorn Ployphan, filed a complaint at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station. His wife’s phone, car keys, amulets, wallet, and other belongings were stolen earlier that…

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  • Thailand NewsMassive meth lab busted in Suphan Buri with 4 million pills seized

    Massive meth lab busted in Suphan Buri with 4 million pills seized

    A clandestine methamphetamine production operation was dismantled in Suphan Buri, Thailand, after a joint police raid, resulting in the seizure of over four million methamphetamine pills and the arrest of two key suspects. Late yesterday, under the management of high-ranking officers including the Region 7 Chief of Police and his deputies, along with the Suphan Buri Provincial Police, a covert…

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  • Thailand NewsChon Buri eatery owner hires man overcharged for rice & eggs dish

    Chon Buri eatery owner hires man overcharged for rice & eggs dish

    A Chon Buri eatery owner offered a job to an unemployed man and his young son, who were the focus of a viral story involving an overpriced two-egg rice dish. The compassionate gesture won the hearts of netizens who came across the owner’s social media post searching for the struggling pair. Following a widely criticized incident where a jobless father…

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  • Thailand NewsStar-struck: Lottery hopefuls seek guidance from astrologer

    Star-struck: Lottery hopefuls seek guidance from astrologer

    Astrological forecasts hold a special allure for many, and today’s predictions by the renowned astrologer Dr Chang Thotsaporn are a hot topic as lottery results are eagerly awaited. Dr Chang highlighted that individuals born under five zodiac signs are poised for a financial boost, with good news and a stroke of luck in the fortune department. This comes just as…

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  • Thailand NewsGold ornament prices leap to 41,200 baht in surprise surge

    Gold ornament prices leap to 41,200 baht in surprise surge

    Gold prices soared unexpectedly, prompting swift action from interested buyers, as the latest figures from the Gold Traders Association (GTA) showed a significant jump. Today, gold ornaments’ selling price broke through to 41,200 baht per baht-weight, an increase of 350 baht from the previous day’s closing price. The surge in gold prices is not just an isolated economic event but…

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  • Phuket NewsGrowing drug problem grips Phuket as arrests increase by 6.21%

    Growing drug problem grips Phuket as arrests increase by 6.21%

    Phuket, an island mainly known for its tourism, is grappling with an escalating drug problem, according to the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre committee. The drug issue has seen a 6.21% increase between October last year and March this year, with 1,335 arrests made in 78 drug-related cases, excluding kratom and marijuana. The report, presented during a recent…

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  • Thailand NewsPet peeve: Thai man eats dog in rage after it bit nephew (video)

    Pet peeve: Thai man eats dog in rage after it bit nephew (video)

    Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT) filed a lawsuit against a Thai man in the northern province of Chiang Mai for brutally killing and eating his pet dog in a fit of rage after it bit his seven year old nephew. A WDT representative filed a complaint at Sankampaeng Police Station yesterday, May 1, that the Thai man, later identified as 42…

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  • Thailand NewsHealth concerns rise with high mitragynine kratom drinks

    Health concerns rise with high mitragynine kratom drinks

    Public health officials issued a stern warning regarding the rising trend of kratom-infused drinks, highlighting that these beverages may contain dangerously high levels of mitragynine, a compound found in the kratom plant. The Department of Medical Sciences, after conducting safety tests across various regions in March, revealed that all 52 samples of kratom-mixed beverages contained mitragynine levels ranging from 22…

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  • Thailand NewsSevere drought hits Uthai Thani, farms and buffalos at risk

    Severe drought hits Uthai Thani, farms and buffalos at risk

    Thailand’s Uthai Thani province is grappling with its most severe drought in decades, with temperatures soaring between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius and a prolonged absence of rain. The drought has reached a critical point, affecting several districts and causing a widespread scarcity of water for both consumption and agricultural use. The situation has escalated to the point where it…

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  • Business NewsThai govt cancels VAT exemption for low-priced imported goods

    Thai govt cancels VAT exemption for low-priced imported goods

    The digital economy’s growth in Thailand led to a surge in trade on foreign online platforms, which has caused considerable disruption for local businesses. The local market has been flooded with cheap Chinese products, putting domestic entrepreneurs at a disadvantage and unable to compete on price. This situation has prompted many to fade away, compelling the government to take action.…

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  • Business NewsThai-tanic surge: Thailand investment pledges make waves

    Thai-tanic surge: Thailand investment pledges make waves

    According to data released by the Board of Investment (BOI) today, Thailand’s investment pledges surged 31% in the first quarter of 2024. This promising growth was recorded in comparison to the corresponding period of last year. The information revealed that the aggregate value of all investment applications in the first three months, leading up to March, soared to 228 billion baht…

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  • Thailand NewsLaotian man loses gold necklaces while sleeping drunk in Pattaya (video)

    Laotian man loses gold necklaces while sleeping drunk in Pattaya (video)

    A Laotian man is seeking public help after losing two gold necklaces worth about 80,000 baht while sleeping off the after-effects of drunkenness on a footpath in Pattaya. The 37 year old Laotian man urged Channel 3 to share his story to seek a clue leading to the apprehension of the gold necklace thief. The man also issued a warning to…

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  • Business NewsThai banks reduce loan rates to alleviate customer debt

    Thai banks reduce loan rates to alleviate customer debt

    The four biggest banks in the country have all declared a drop in their loan interest rates. This decision by Bangkok Bank (BBL), Krungthai Bank (KTB), Kasikornbank (KBank), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is a response to the prime minister’s call to lessen loan rates to help ease the debt pressure on susceptible customers. An anonymous banking sector analyst opines…

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  • Crime NewsPattani shootout ends with two suspects dead, one officer injured

    Pattani shootout ends with two suspects dead, one officer injured

    A deadly confrontation unfolded in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani, southern Thailand, where a four-hour gunfight resulted in the deaths of two suspects and left one officer injured. This violent exchange occurred yesterday, May 1, at a rented house under surveillance for harbouring individuals wanted by the law. The incident concluded with the discovery of two deceased, identified as Masobree…

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  • Thailand NewsBoom boom: Thailand ranked in top 10 for sex workers globally

    Boom boom: Thailand ranked in top 10 for sex workers globally

    The International Union of Sex Workers (IUSW) reports that Thailand is one of the countries with the highest number of sex workers, at 250,000. Despite the number, sex workers in the country remain illegal and continue to struggle for basic labour rights. The IUSW released global sex industry statistics under the topic, Sex Worker Statistics by Country, Gender. The report,…

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  • Business NewsThai renewable energy industry urges govt to revise trade system

    Thai renewable energy industry urges govt to revise trade system

    The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club urged the government to revise the country’s electricity trade system from the longstanding enhanced single buyer (ESB) model, arguing it hampers the growth of renewable energy. The ESB structure, which designates the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as the sole entity that sells electricity to the public, is seen as…

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