Year: 2024
- Business News
Thailand’s insurance sector sees 4.5% growth, aiming for 1 trillion baht by 2026
The insurance sector in Thailand has seen a robust expansion of 4.5%, with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) projecting insurance premiums to hit the 1 trillion baht (US$28,184,510,000) mark by 2026, a significant leap from the present 800 to 900 billion baht figure. Such an outlook was shared by Chuchatr Pramoolpol, the secretary-general of the OIC. Chuchatr revealed…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Teen girl found drowned in Pak Pha Ying Canal after distressing messages
The body of a 15 year old girl was discovered drowned in the Pak Phing Canal after a two-day search by authorities. The girl, identified as Neem, had been missing since the evening of January 16. The teenager had previously sent distressing audio and video messages to a friend at 1am on January 16 before her disappearance. Neem, who was…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Storm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Meanwhile, the upper part of the country continues to experience cold weather today. For the next 24 hours, the moderately high-pressure area covering the northeastern part and the South China Sea is weakening, while the westerly wind at the upper level…
Read More » - Thailand News
Public Health Ministry to use AI for depression diagnosis
The Public Health Ministry announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its online platform to aid in the diagnosis of depression. Revealed yesterday by the permanent secretary for public health, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, this move is part of a broader effort to boost mental healthcare in the country. The AI system, named the Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network for…
Read More » - Thailand News
New 6.5 kilometre six-lane road to link Phutthamonthon Sai 4 with Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Motorway
The Department of Highways in Thailand embarked upon a new project to construct a 6.5-kilometre-long six-lane road that will link Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road with the Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Motorway. The new roadway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the existing roads and foster urbanisation in the adjoining areas. The highway will extend through four districts in Nonthaburi and into…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s central bank bans prepayment charges in new lending regulation
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has introduced a new responsible lending (RL) regulation that bans charges for debt prepayment and restructuring across all consumer loan products. The regulation, which comes into effect on January 1, impacts various financial institutions such as banks, non-banks, asset management companies, and specialised financial institutions. However, the ban does not apply to fees for mortgage…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thailand aims for 40 million tourists and 3.5 trillion baht revenue
The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Still, the ministry plans to attract longer stays and increase spending through a range of measures, including soft power products, safety…
Read More » - Thailand News
Transgender trio snatch gold necklace from Korean tourist in Pattaya
A Korean tourist last week was allegedly robbed of his 200,000 baht gold necklace by a trio of transgender suspects in Pattaya. The 51 year old tourist, Seongmu, accompanied by his 43 year old Thai friend, Surat Kongin, revealed the details of the robbery which took place on Thursday, January 11, imploring justice for the brazen theft. The escapade unfolded…
Read More » - Thailand News
Cool weather predicted across Thailand with isolated rainfall in the north
The Department of Meteorology of Thailand (TMD) forecasts cool weather in the morning across the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions of Thailand, as well as the upper south. However, some areas in the upper north and southern regions are expected to experience rainfall. A westerly trough is covering the upper north of Thailand and the upper part of Laos,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chulalongkorn Hospital to employ robot helper ‘Mr Sam’ to assist paperwork
Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital has unleashed a team of five robots, headed by Mr Sam, to revolutionise outpatient services. This futuristic endeavour aims to slash red tape, accelerate patient processes, and provide a helping hand to overwhelmed medical staff. It marks the dawn of a new era in healthcare technology, with robots taking charge of paperwork and streamlining the registration process.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand domestic boarding regulations tighten
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed new regulations for non-Thai passengers taking domestic flights in Thailand. Effective from January 16, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) tightened control on the boarding pass and ID checks. The CAAT laid down the law, demanding an exact match between the name on the boarding pass and the passenger’s government-issued ID. Whether…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai authorities bust Chinese-funded counterfeit cosmetics ring causing hair loss
A Chinese-funded warehouse was raided and counterfeit cosmetics and hair straightening products were seized. These fraudulent products, sold online, resulted in significant hair loss for many consumers. The operation revealed that the warehouse was selling an astonishing 3 million units per month. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, an officer from the Royal Thai Police, along with Anuwat Rakcharoen, Chattha Nakkaew, Weeraphong Klaithong, and Veerachai…
Read More » - Thailand News
Electricity bills set to stay steady despite global turmoil
In an exclusive update from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), consumers can breathe a sigh of relief as Secretary-General Komkrit Tantravanich guarantees minimal disruption to household electricity bills. Komkrit reassures the public that from May through August, electricity rates will hover between 4.20 to 4.25 baht per unit. Moreover, this promising price stability is linked to a surge in natural…
Read More » - World News
From ordinary Australian to Queen of Denmark: The compelling journey of Queen Mary
After Queen Margrethe II of Denmark voluntarily abdicated her throne in 2023, Prince Frederik of Denmark succeeded the throne as King Frederik X. The event, which took place on January 14, garnered significant interest from both Danish citizens and international spectators alike. King Frederik X’s coronation ceremony was simple, lacking the usual pomp and circumstance. However, the world’s attention was…
Read More » - Thailand News
Udon Thani youth gang nabbed for burglary spree and drug use
A gang of young boys aged between eight and 15 years old have been apprehended by the local police in Udon Thani for a string of burglaries in the neighbourhood, as well as drug use. The group, led by a 15 year old Puek (pseudonym), was arrested on the evening of today, at 10.30pm, by the investigative unit of the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Grim reality of Thai agricultural worker’s life in South Korea revealed
Working as an agricultural labourer in South Korea may not be as pleasant as one might think, according to a Thai worker’s review posted online today. The worker, Abhisit began his job in South Korea on June 29, 2023, after passing the Department of Labour’s E-9 agricultural visa exam. Abhisit worked in a mixed vegetable farm, primarily cultivating high-value crops…
Read More » - Thailand News
Suphan Buri man arrested for rape, theft and defrauding the elderly
A man from Nong Ya Sai District in the Suphan Buri province was arrested for rape and sexual assault under a warrant from the Taling Chan Criminal Court. The alleged suspect, 39 year old Manat, also known as Pla, was apprehended by Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsaeng, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau and his colleagues today, January 17. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
PAD group acquitted for 2008 airport siege, fined 20,000 baht for trespassing
The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) group, who stormed and occupied airports in 2008, were acquitted by the court for their actions but were fined 20,000 baht on charges of trespassing and violation of the Emergency Decree. The verdict was delivered today at 9am at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road The case dates back to November 24-December 3, 2008,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Heated debate over car mods escalates into fatal stabbing
A heated argument over car modifications during a hot pot party in Don Tum, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, ended in a fatal stabbing incident today, at 3am. The 40 year old attacker, identified as Teedsak, managed to escape the scene but was later apprehended. The victims were identified as 31 year old Songkran, who unfortunately did not survive the assault, and…
Read More » - World News
Elderly Indian man comes back to life on way to his last rites
An 80 year old Indian man who was pronounced dead, came back to life on the way to his last rites. The extraordinary event unfolded on January 13 in Karnal City, India, when the ambulance carrying the body of Darshan Singh Bar, fell into a pothole on the road. Bar’s grandson, who was accompanying him, noticed his grandpa’s arm move…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai actress Mew Nittha receives public apology after bakery’s cake mishap
A recent incident involving a cake order mishap by popular Thai actress Mew Nittha led to the bakery owner issuing a public apology. The misunderstanding occurred when Mew ordered a cake to celebrate the one-month birthday of her youngest son, Makin. Mew requested for Makin 1 month to be written in white. However, the bakery staff misinterpreted the instructions and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bruno Mars reaches for the Bangkok stars in March extravaganza
Promoter Live Nation Tero unveiled the ticket prices for the upcoming Bruno Mars concert in Bangkok this March. The Grammy-winning American maestro is set to grace the stage at Rajamangala National Stadium on March 30, promising a musical spectacle that fans won’t want to miss. Ticket prices, ranging from 2,000 to 11,000 baht, cater to all music enthusiasts ready to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Nakhon Si Thammarat emerges as tranquil tourism haven amidst chaos in hotspots like Phuket
As Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin battle with over-tourism, Nakhon Si Thammarat emerges as a tranquil one of Thailand’s favourite getaways. In the throes of over-tourism, Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin are becoming synonymous with congestion, noise, and chaos. The serenity seekers are abandoning the ship, flocking towards the promise of silent travel, as revealed by Condé Nast Traveler. Amidst…
Read More » - Road deaths
Fatal motorbike and truck collision in Chachoengsao City centre
A fatal collision between a motorbike and an 18-wheel truck took place around 10am today in the heart of Chachoengsao City. The incident resulted in one death and serious injuries. The accident occurred near the city’s central intersection. The deceased, 49 year old Nikom, from Bang Samak sub-district in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao, was found with major facial injuries. Nearby…
Read More » - Thailand News
Kiwi couple demands refund from Qantas after 10-hour flight in urine
In a stomach-churning revelation, a New Zealand couple successfully secured a refund from Qantas Airways, alleging they unwittingly spent a 10-hour flight submerged in a fellow passenger’s urine. The revolting journey unfolded during a flight from Bangkok to Sydney, leaving the couple fuming and the airline scrambling for damage control. A Qantas spokesperson provided a statement, acknowledging the disturbing incident…
Read More » - Thailand News
Delayed launch of Thailand’s 500 billion baht digital wallet rattles government
The much-anticipated 500-billion-baht (US$14.3-billion) digital wallet initiative, a flagship policy of the Pheu Thai-led government, has hit a snag. The planned rollout for May has been deferred, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, delivering a blow to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin’s coalition government, which has been promoting the scheme as a lifeline for the faltering economy.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Mystery of Thai hunter’s death deep within Nam Nao national park
The body of a 42 year old Thai hunter, who had been missing for five days, was discovered deep in the forest on January 17. Police investigator Phitak Deesang from the Ban Klang Police Station, Lom Sak, Phetchabun, was notified of the discovery of Saiyant Mueangkaen’s body near Wang Yao village, Pak Chong sub-district, Nam Nao national park. A subsequent…
Read More » - Business News
Thai Cabinet ratifies 3.6 trillion baht budget for fiscal year 2025
The Thai Cabinet ratified a 3.6 trillion baht budget for the fiscal year 2025. This sees an expansion of the budget deficit to 713 billion baht, a 2.89% increase from the previous year. The new budget was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, following its presentation by the Budget Bureau. It was announced by the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Rudklao Suwankiri.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok residents call for 20 baht fare amid uproar over 100 baht BTS cost
The fare for a journey on the BTS Skytrain from Asoke to Minburi station has been set at 100 baht, causing uproar among Bangkok residents. They argue that it is nearly a third of the daily minimum wage and have started calling for the implementation of the 20 baht fare policy across all routes, previously promised by the government during…
Read More » - Business News
Chirathivat family’s CG Capital kickstarts with 10 billion baht
The Chirathivat family’s private equity fund, CG Capital Advisory, is kicking off its operations with an impressive 10 billion baht. The fund aims to capitalise on the recovering tourism sector by investing in hospitality and real estate. CG Capital, spearheaded by Phoom Chirathivat, partnered with prominent institutional investors to channel this fund into investments in hotels and tourism-related businesses. These…
Read More » - Thailand News
Tiny tusker in a mud muddle: Brave Thai park rangers rescue baby elephant in perilous plight
A group of intrepid park rangers in Thailand stumbled upon a lone baby elephant at Tat Mok National Park, trapped in mud up to its tiny ears, faced a perilous fate until the rangers stepped in. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) revealed that on January 11, vigilant park rangers discovered a baby elephant ensnared in…
Read More » - Business News
Thai SEC unmoved by US Bitcoin ETFs approval
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand stated that it is not currently considering the possibility of permitting asset management firms to launch Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the country. This comes in the wake of the United States SEC endorsing the establishment of 11 Bitcoin ETFs the previous week. On January 11, rule changes were approved by the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Russian tourist’s wild rampage damages Phuket Town Hall
A Russian tourist’s reckless rampage through Phuket Town Hall, leading to significant damage to the governor’s office, ended with his arrest and subsequent hospitalisation. The 24 year old man stole a local’s motorbike and fled the scene before being apprehended by police. The incident, which occurred at 7.27am today, was reported to the police by the town hall’s security staff…
Read More » - Thailand News
Central Thailand: Residents demand urgent action as lead pollution threatens Klity Creek
Long-suffering residents of Klity Creek in Thong Pha Phum district are reaching their breaking point as they intensify their fight against lead pollution. Petitioning the Pollution Control Department (PCD), these fed-up villagers demand action to eradicate the lingering toxic sediment, amounting to a staggering 800,000 tonnes, still plaguing their community. The apparent failure of the PCD’s much-hyped rehabilitation programme has…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index drops in December amid economic challenges
A recent announcement by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) revealed that industrial sentiment in Thailand took a downturn in December, recording a decline from 90.9 to 88.8. This significant drop was attributed to a combination of factors, namely the weakening spending power of consumers and prevailing export concerns. The FTI, which is responsible for tracking fluctuations in various business…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Large-scale operation targets drug abuse in Pattaya’s entertainment venues
A large-scale operation to tackle drug abuse in Pattaya’s entertainment venues was conducted in the early hours of today. The operation was a joint effort between over 100 officers from the Provincial Police Region 2, the Chon Buri Provincial Police, and Pattaya Police. Officials from the Office of Narcotics Control and Prevention Region 2 also contributed to the undertaking. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai court clears postal worker accused of drug trafficking
A Thai court today dismissed a case against a postal worker accused of being involved in a drug trafficking incident. The case pertained to the seizure of a parcel containing 6,000 ecstasy pills, intercepted at the Bangkok Post Centre in Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, on October 17, 2022. The parcel was traced back to Germany. An Airport Interdiction Task Force comprising…
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