Year: 2024
- Business News
Export woes: March sees customs dip by 10.9%
March witnessed a significant 10.9% drop in customs-based exports from the previous year, according to an announcement by the Commerce Ministry today. The decline was notably more severe than the 4.5% year-on-year fall predicted by a Reuters poll, marking a stark contrast to the 3.6% rise observed in February. Government data revealed a 9.7% and 19.3% decrease in exports to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s record-breaking electricity usage heats up weekend
A record-breaking increase in electricity usage was registered in Thailand over the weekend as the nation grappled with soaring temperatures. The Ministry of Energy confirmed late Saturday that power demand peaked at 36,356 megawatts, surpassing the previous record set on Monday, April 22. Extreme heat has been particularly severe in the country’s northern and northeastern regions. The Meteorological Department of…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand and India to launch QR cross-border payments
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to introduce QR code cross-border payments between Thailand and India by the third quarter of this year, with a broader vision to expand this system into a pan-Asian multinational payment network. The Assistant Governor for Payment Systems Policy and Financial Consumer Protection Group at the central bank, Daranee Saeju, revealed that the payment…
Read More » - Pattaya News
American sailors set foot on the wild side of Walking Street, Pattaya
Pattaya’s notorious Walking Street played host to around 6,000 American sailors from the United States Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 9. The sailors, who were on a rest and relaxation visit, arrived in Pattaya on April 24 and departed yesterday, April 28. The visit, marked by their presence in various bars, restaurants, and go-go bars, ended up being a welcome economic…
Read More » - Thailand video news
Thailand Video News | Weather experts debunk rumours of extended summer, Bangkok traffic cop killed by drunk driver during charity event
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover a series of recent events across Thailand, tragedy and turmoil have struck various regions, leaving a trail of chaos and uncertainty. A traffic policeman tragically lost his life in Bangkok during a charity event, falling victim to a drunk driver’s reckless actions. Meanwhile, Pattaya witnessed havoc as an intoxicated joyride spiraled…
Read More » - Business News
NBTC board rejects new mobile tariff structure due to lack of study
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board declined to approve a new tariff structure for mobile services, citing a lack of comprehensive study on the matter. The proposed tariff would have charged customers on a per-second basis, reflecting actual usage. The board has voiced concerns over the potential for increased costs for consumers and has asked for a more…
Read More » - Business News
SEC warns digital asset exchanges on special privileges
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a stern warning to digital asset exchange operators. The caution comes in light of recent findings by the SEC, which reveal that these exchanges often entice the public to invest by offering special privileges, thereby encouraging trades on their platforms. Anek Yooyuen emphasised that the operations of digital asset…
Read More » - Guides
Deforestation in Thailand: challenges and solutions for forest conservation
Thailand is currently facing a significant environmental challenge that has garnered widespread concern, particularly among conservationists: deforestation. This issue is more severe in Thailand than in many other Southeast Asian countries, primarily due to the rapid clearance of forests to accommodate agricultural expansion necessitated by population growth and the country’s focus on exporting agricultural products. Furthermore, the logging industry and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Monks’ wild antics: Sanctuary showdown ends in poaching arrest
Ongoing tales of monks behaving badly continue, this time in the Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary in northeastern Thailand, as two Buddhist monks, Phra Maha Montri and novice Atikhun Maneewong, were apprehended for allegedly engaging in wildlife poaching. They were released on bail on Saturday, with their relatives acting as guarantors. The arrest took place on Thursday, punctuating ongoing investigations into…
Read More » - Thailand News
Second phase of macaque relocation kicks off at historic park
The second phase of relocating macaques from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park to the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Centre was initiated yesterday by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Phetchaburi. The initiative, which involves the placement of cages at 12 locations within the park, commonly known as Khao Wang, aims to capture 205 macaques. In…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Town’s southern side to face major power cut tomorrow
A significant power interruption is set to impact a substantial portion of Phuket Town’s southern side tomorrow, as announced by the main branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority for Phuket (PEA Phuket). The power cuts, scheduled from 9am to 4.30pm, are part of routine maintenance works undertaken by the power authority. PEA Phuket has devised a strategy to lessen the…
Read More » - Business News
Thai customs to impose VAT on all postal imports
The Customs Department of Thailand next month is set to begin levying value-added tax (VAT) on all imported goods sent through postal services, regardless of the items’ value. This move comes in response to low-priced imports from China that have been flooding the market, providing an unfair edge as domestic producers are taxed. Currently, imported goods sent via postal services…
Read More » - Business News
Israel-Iran conflict threatens Thai economy in Q2
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran poses a potential threat to the Thai economy in the second quarter. Anticipated challenges include currency depreciation, an increase in oil prices, and a decrease in purchasing power. This comes after the International Monetary Fund reduced its Thai GDP forecast significantly from 4.4% to 2.7% growth, due to a slump in domestic consumption.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Myanmar real estate sales surge by 240%
The chief executive of a leading property firm today revealed an intriguing glimpse into the flourishing 2024 foreign real estate sector. The disclosure highlighted a remarkable 240% surge in sales within the Myanmar market compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite the surge in the Myanmar market, the Chinese market continues to dominate, accounting for 50% of…
Read More » - Thailand News
Acid attack leaves Burmese mother and baby severely injured
A brutal acid attack has left a 27 year old Burmese woman and her eight-month-old baby with severe injuries. The incident, which occurred on October 19, 2023, involved the woman’s ex-husband, who launched the attack while she was bathing her daughter. The assailant, a Myanmar national like the victims, used a yellow plastic bottle to disperse the acid, causing grievous…
Read More » - Things To Do
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (April 26 – 28)
This weekend in Bangkok is full of zest and jazz, literally. From dinners by the Chao Phraya River to Earth Day celebrations to live jazz music, there are a lot of things to do to keep you cool and entertained this weekend. So, if your schedule for the weekend is still empty, here are the best things to do in…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai PM’s frozen durian order: A fruitful venture worth millions
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday publicised the country’s recent acquisition of a 300-million-baht (US$8.1 million) frozen durian order on social media. The announcement came in the aftermath of his trip to Chanthaburi, which further emphasised the global appetite for Thai durians. “Post my visit, an order was placed. Business tycoons have expressed interest in placing an annual order worth 300…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phuket’s tram feasibility study on track for smooth ride ahead
The much-awaited tram project in Phuket, set to link Phuket International Airport with the Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, is advancing steadily as its feasibility study is on track to finish within six months. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed yesterday that the 41.7-kilometre tram system’s study is being carried out by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), with intentions to present…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai police bust major cryptocurrency mining operation
Thai police apprehended multiple individuals and confiscated over 650 cryptocurrency mining devices valued at over 200 million baht in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi, following an investigation into suspected electricity theft. The high-profile crackdown involved officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) officials, who targeted the locations due to their exceptionally high power usage. The…
Read More » - Automotive
The hidden expenses of car ownership in Bangkok revealed
We all know that cars are expensive, but many are unaware of how much it really costs to own one. While many think fuel is the only cost to worry about, there’s actually a whole lot more to consider when it comes to owning a car in Bangkok. From maintenance to insurance, the hidden expenses can sneak up on you.…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Pattaya man’s sudden death sparks heatstroke fears
The sudden death of a homeless Pattaya man sparked a wave of speculation and investigations by the Thai authorities. The 50 year old man, named Noi, was found lifeless near a bus stop in the sweltering midday heat. Noi’s sudden death has led the Thai authorities to ponder various causes: a preexisting health issue, an overwhelming heatstroke, or a lethal…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Construction workers’ row escalates into knife attack in Pattaya
A heated argument over professional prowess escalated into a violent confrontation between two construction workers in Pattaya on Saturday night. The altercation resulted in one man being grievously injured by a knife attack. Pattaya police received a report of the incident at 8.36pm. Over ten officers swiftly converged on the scene, a residential property located within the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s hazardous waste crisis prompts law enforcement calls
Serious fires at hazardous waste storage facilities in Rayong and Ayutthaya, coupled with the illegal smuggling of cadmium tailings from Tak to numerous Thai provinces, have brought the issue of waste management into sharp focus in Thailand. With a shocking 36 million tonnes of hazardous waste produced annually, as reported by the Department of Pollution Control, concerns are increasing over…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand weather experts debunk extended summer rumors
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) clarified widespread social media reports predicting an extended hot season until September, explaining the usual climatic patterns and dismissing the possibility of a prolonged heat crisis. Recent online speculation suggested that Thailand might face an unprecedented extension of its hot season, with high temperatures persisting through September. Addressing these concerns, the TMD highlighted the typical duration…
Read More » - Road deaths
Bangkok traffic cop killed by drunk driver during charity event
A sobering incident occurred this morning when a traffic policeman was tragically killed by a drunk taxi driver while he was on duty facilitating traffic for a charity run event organised by a prominent university in Bangkok. The driver’s blood alcohol level was found to be a staggering 287 milligrams percent at the scene on Phaholyothin Road, in front of…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand probe after passengers trapped in BTS lift for an hour
Following a distressing incident where passengers were trapped in a lift at a BTS station for over an hour, Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote, has ordered an immediate investigation into the malfunction. The incident took place yesterday between the ticketing floor and the street level, heading towards Kheha station on the BTS Skytrain’s Sukhumvit and Silom lines. Surapong instructed…
Read More » - Thailand News
Fishing trawler catches fire in Andaman sea, 9 crew rescued
The Sri Thong Pae 7 fishing trawler was engulfed in flames while refuelling in the Andaman Sea, leading to a rescue operation that saved the lives of nine crew members. The incident occurred early this morning, 15 nautical miles southwest of Koh Surin islands, off Phang Nga. Upon receiving the distress signal at approximately 3.30am, the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre…
Read More » - Road deaths
Intoxicated joyride leads to Pattaya chaos, man arrested
A 24 year old Thai-English man was arrested in the early hours today after his intoxicated joyride ended in a series of collisions along Pattaya South Road. The young man’s reckless driving left a trail of destruction and alarmed local motorcycle taxi drivers who witnessed his erratic behaviour. At the scene, police discovered a Toyota Altis bearing the license plate…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket van driver brandishes knife in road rage incident
An outbreak of road rage in Phuket yesterday saw a van driver brandishing a knife and menacing a taxi driver in the heart of one of the city’s busiest roads. The episode, which happened near the Central Phuket intersection of Chaloem Phrakiat Rama 9 Road, was promptly shared on social media by onlookers who captured footage of the irate driver…
Read More » - Thailand News
Laos considers Thailand’s proposal for ASEAN troika meetings
The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed that Laos has received and is considering Thailand’s proposal for ASEAN Troika and Troika plus meetings, which aim to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The proposal is Thailand’s attempt to engage with Myanmar’s military junta to resolve the situation while simultaneously advocating for humanitarian aid and peace. Thailand put forth this…
Read More » - Politics News
Pheu Thai people’s charter still unfulfilled seven months in
The Pheu Thai Party’s promise to craft a people’s charter that would engage an elected assembly and a public referendum while honouring Thailand’s constitutional monarchy remains unfulfilled after seven months in power. The 2017 charter, considered by some as a leftover from the 2014 coup, has yet to see any amendments. The initial months of the Pheu Thai government were…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok’s eastern flank gets a wetland forest for recreation
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is transforming an 86-rai plot of land situated on Bangkok’s eastern flank into a wetland forest, a green space designed to provide urban dwellers with fresh air and recreational facilities. This plot, found in the Bung Kum district, was previously recognised as Klong Lam Bung Kum. Its initial purpose was to act as a floodwater-retention…
Read More » - Phuket News
Outrage as man unlawfully removes wheel lock from bike in Phuket
A foreign individual sparked outrage on social media after he was caught on camera removing a wheel lock from his unlawfully parked motorbike in Phuket. The man, whose identity remains unknown, parked his bike outside the Kasikorn Bank on Phang Nga Road, an illegal parking area, around noon on April 26. This led to traffic police putting a wheel lock and…
Read More » - Transport News
EEC office finalises plan for high-speed railway districts
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office is on the brink of completing a commercial development plan for districts within Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. This initiative is a segment of the projected high-speed rail system set to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. After a recent discussion in Pattaya City, recommendations are now being collated into an actionable outline for…
Read More » - Crime News
Bangkok man nabbed for stealing flowers worth up to 20,000 baht
Bangkok police recently detained a 31 year old man in connection with a series of flower thefts at Pak Khlong Talat market. The suspect apprehended at the entrance to Klong Toey Community, has confessed to the crimes, admitting to four instances of theft. The operation led by the Deputy Chief of the Pak Khlong Talat Police and his team followed…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for intense heatwave with highs of 44 degrees Celsius
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning today as temperatures are expected to soar up to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius. Citizens are advised to take precautions and avoid prolonged activities in open areas. The high-pressure system caused by intense heat has blanketed the upper parts of Thailand, leading to generally hot to very hot weather conditions nationwide,…
Read More » - Environment News
Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary closed due to man-made hotspots
The Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai province has been indefinitely shut down by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. The decision comes in the wake of the discovery of several man-made hotspots in areas of key ecological importance. The department’s chief, Attapol Charoenchansa, announced the measure as an immediate response to the pressing issues of…
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