Year: 2024

  • Thailand NewsThai durian dismay: Growers feeling ‘fruit-ile’ as production plummets

    Thai durian dismay: Growers feeling ‘fruit-ile’ as production plummets

    The revered Nonthaburi durian, a cherished variety of Thailand’s king of fruits, has witnessed a drastic production decline to just 10% compared to the previous year, plunging growers into a state of crisis. This significant drop is attributed to the rapidly changing and prolonged hot weather conditions affecting the country. The scarcity has driven up the prices of this year’s…

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  • GuidesSawasdee pi mai – The four days of Songkran 2024

    Sawasdee pi mai – The four days of Songkran 2024

    Despite the annual celebrations, water fights and parties being mostly side-lined this year, Songkran goes on for 2024, albeit in a much-subdued form. Many Thais have decided not to head home, but others have already headed out of the city centres to their homes to be with their families. The best we can do for Songkran 2021 is be happy,…

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  • Thailand NewsChild swipes phone in swift snatch at Bangkok eatery (video)

    Child swipes phone in swift snatch at Bangkok eatery (video)

    Popular Bangkok restaurant Red Panda Yakiniku took to social media to share CCTV footage of a child sprinting into their establishment, stealing a mobile phone from the cashier’s counter, and fleeing. The post is an appeal to the child’s guardians to return the stolen item. The Facebook post featured a clip showing a child dashing into the Red Panda Yakiniku…

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  • Thailand NewsForeign diver faces fine for touching whale shark in Thailand (video)

    Foreign diver faces fine for touching whale shark in Thailand (video)

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) fined a foreign tourist for touching a whale shark while diving at Mu Koh Surin National Park in the southern province of Phang Nga. Drama erupted among local travel agencies in the southern provinces of Thailand after a video and pictures of a diver touching the tip of a whale…

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  • Thailand TravelHow to spend your Songkran at Hua Hin 2024

    How to spend your Songkran at Hua Hin 2024

    Are you looking for your ideal getaway for the upcoming Songkran Holidays? Do you fancy an escape to the beach? Hua Hin is a fantastic destination to visit in Thailand to celebrate Songkran. It is the nearest beach to Bangkok, only 3-4 hours drive away. So, save yourself some valuable time and travel expenses. Hua Hin is also a popular…

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  • Thailand NewsMango madness: Online frenzy over black streaks yields revelation

    Mango madness: Online frenzy over black streaks yields revelation

    A social media user’s concern about strange black lines in a mango sparked a significant online dialogue, leading to a flurry of comments and a revelation that these lines are not harmful to humans. The incident occurred today, April 4, when an individual posted a photo of some mango with black streaks to a group called Knowledge Around Us, questioning…

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  • Business NewsFuelling fears: Thai diesel price hike won’t ignite retail inflation

    Fuelling fears: Thai diesel price hike won’t ignite retail inflation

    The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) stated that a potential increase in domestic diesel prices, which could surpass 30 baht a litre following the termination of the Oil Fuel Fund subsidy scheme on March 31, is unlikely to prompt manufacturers to raise the prices of their goods. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed on Tuesday, April 2,…

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  • Thailand NewsKaeng Tai Pla from southern Thailand voted worst dish in the world

    Kaeng Tai Pla from southern Thailand voted worst dish in the world

    TasteAtlas, one of the globe’s most famous food guide platforms, declared Kaeng Tai Pla from southern Thailand as the worst dish in the world in its 100 Worst Rated Foods in the World. Multiple Thai dishes have made their names on the world’s best dishes by TasteAtlas but there is no chance to shine for Kaeng Tai Pla, which is…

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  • Thailand NewsGiant golden king cobra rescued from car wheel in Chon Buri

    Giant golden king cobra rescued from car wheel in Chon Buri

    Residents of Ban Bueng, Chon Buri, were thrown into a state of alarm when an almost 4-metre-long golden king cobra entangled itself around a car wheel in the early hours of the morning. The incident triggered an urgent call for rescue services, as the presence of the venomous snake posed a significant danger to the local community. At around 5am…

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  • Thailand NewsPolice misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

    Police misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

    An incident at a beer garden during the Thao Suranari Victory Celebration in Nakhon Ratchasima Province turned violent, resulting in allegations of police misconduct. On the evening of April 2, a group of teenagers became embroiled in a brawl, which inadvertently implicated an innocent bystander. A 20 year old man, Na (surname withheld), reported that he was struck in the…

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  • Thailand NewsDrunken monk in Bangkok detained for lewd acts (video)

    Drunken monk in Bangkok detained for lewd acts (video)

    Bangkok’s bustling streets witnessed a bizarre incident recently when a 62 year old man was detained by police for inappropriate behaviour. The incident occurred at 7.30pm yesterday, April 3, when Bangkaew police officers from Samut Prakan province were alerted to a man, clad in monk’s robes, exhibiting drunken behaviour and leering at women’s breasts and buttocks in Kingkhaew Market. Upon…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok police seize 190,000 meth pills, 1.3 million baht

    Bangkok police seize 190,000 meth pills, 1.3 million baht

    Bangkok police have successfully dismantled a major drug operation following the arrest of two individuals caught with an extensive haul of methamphetamine pills and a considerable sum of cash. The operation, which took place late at night in the capital, led to the seizure of 190,000 methamphetamine pills, approximately 400 grams of ketamine, and over 1.3 million baht (US$ 36,000)…

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  • Thailand NewsTwo navy conscripts die in early morning Chachoengsao road crash

    Two navy conscripts die in early morning Chachoengsao road crash

    A tragic road accident claimed the lives of two people early this morning when a van carrying navy conscripts collided with an 18-wheeler in Chachoengsao province. The van, which was hired by navy personnel returning to their homes for the Songkran holiday break, veered off course when the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The incident occurred at 4.30am,…

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  • Business NewsThailand explores extending emergency coverage to foreign tourists

    Thailand explores extending emergency coverage to foreign tourists

    The possibility of extending the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) programme to safeguard foreign tourists is being explored by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. This move comes in the wake of a rising number of injuries among tourists, primarily due to road and water accidents. The proposal to include foreign tourists under…

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  • Thailand NewsDNP denies plans to transfer Lop Buri macaques to Khao Yai

    DNP denies plans to transfer Lop Buri macaques to Khao Yai

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) dismissed allegations that it plans to transfer macaques from Lop Buri to Khao Yai National Park. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the Director-General of DNP, clarified this during a media briefing yesterday, April 3. The director general discussed an action plan intended to manage the monkeys causing disturbances to Lop Buri residents and…

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  • Thailand NewsPhuket court to revive tourist section amid rising crime against visitors

    Phuket court to revive tourist section amid rising crime against visitors

    The Phuket Provincial Court is set to revive its tourist section in response to an increasing number of court cases involving tourists. This initiative is led by the acting chief justice of the Phuket Provincial Court, Kriangsak Rodpunshoo. He disclosed that the influx of both local and international tourists in Phuket has led to a spike in both criminal and…

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  • Thailand NewsWoman climbs signal pole in desperation over money woes

    Woman climbs signal pole in desperation over money woes

    Tension gripped Bo Win Subdistrict, East Pattaya on Monday when a distressed woman scaled a telephone signal pole in a bid for attention. The woman’s 56 year old husband Prasit (last name withheld) identified her as 58 year old Piew. He disclosed that the incident unfolded after he returned from work in the evening when a dispute arose over financial…

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  • Thailand NewsMFP vows bold defence against dissolution threat

    MFP vows bold defence against dissolution threat

    Move Forward Party (MFP) chief Chaithawat Tulathon declared the party’s unwavering resolve to counter the looming spectre of dissolution, revealing plans to submit a comprehensive rebuttal to the Constitutional Court following the upcoming Songkran festivities. The 45 year old Chaithawat affirmed that the MFP would not simply lodge its defence with the court but would also make it accessible to…

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  • Thailand NewsRayong fisherman nets suspected ambergris worth millions of baht

    Rayong fisherman nets suspected ambergris worth millions of baht

    A fishing expedition near Hua Hin beach in Rayong province recently turned up an unexpected catch for a local fisherman, who netted what appeared to be a lump of ambergris, a valuable substance used in the production of perfume. The discovery has sparked excitement among residents, and experts are being called upon to confirm the authenticity of the find. The…

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  • Business NewsThai economy forecasts growth between 2.8% and 3.3%

    Thai economy forecasts growth between 2.8% and 3.3%

    The Thai economy, driven primarily by exports, forecasts growth between 2.8% and 3.3% for this year, as reported by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). The committee, representing diverse sectors, has retained its initial forecast, projecting a 2.0% to 3.0% increase in exports. Following a 1.9% expansion in the previous year, Thailand’s economic growth is projected…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man runs naked after Buddha statue grants conscription exemption

    Thai man runs naked after Buddha statue grants conscription exemption

    A Thai man honoured his vow to a Buddha statue at a shrine in the central province of Ang Thong by running naked after the statue granted conscription exemption. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) summons Thai men aged over 21 years old for military conscription every year. Failure to attend the conscription draw can result in imprisonment for up to three…

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  • Things To DoWhere to eat this Songkran in Bangkok 2024

    Where to eat this Songkran in Bangkok 2024

    It’s Songkran season, and you know what that means: a feast to remember! Whether you’re gearing up for a water-splashing frenzy in the heart of Bangkok or just looking to savour some scrumptious eats under the Thai summer sun, the city has a number of restaurants serving up special feasts for Songkran 2024. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 5…

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  • Business NewsNBTC excludes World Cup from ‘must have’ broadcast rule

    NBTC excludes World Cup from ‘must have’ broadcast rule

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board yesterday unanimously decided to exclude the World Cup football tournament from its “must have” rule, effective immediately. This rule has been in place since 2012, obliging companies that own the broadcast rights to seven major sporting events to allow free TV channels to air the content. The seven events include the FIFA World…

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  • EventsCelebrate songkran in style with ‘Songkran Splash Away Tropical Edition’ at W Bangkok

    Celebrate songkran in style with ‘Songkran Splash Away Tropical Edition’ at W Bangkok

    Immerse yourself in a tropical oasis as W Bangkok presents ‘Songkran Splash Away – Tropical Edition’, an exciting pool party happening on 13 – 14 April 2024, from 3pm to 9pm. Bringing together the spirit of Songkran with a touch of tropical flair, this two-day event promises an unforgettable experience with fun beats in the city centre, the perfect venue…

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  • Thailand NewsLocal beauty queen stuns at Chaiyaphum military draft

    Local beauty queen stuns at Chaiyaphum military draft

    The annual military draft in Chaiyaphum province witnessed an extraordinary event yesterday as a local beauty queen, known as Gantong, reported for service, stunning the crowd with her striking appearance. Gantong, who has a history of pageantry success, including recent titles such as Miss Teen GOSOCIAL Queen Thailand 2021 and the Nong Khai’s Daughter of the Mekong River 2022, took…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok man arrested for flaunting gun while intoxicated

    Bangkok man arrested for flaunting gun while intoxicated

    Bangkok police arrested a 60 year old man following reports of him brandishing a firearm while intoxicated at a rental room. The arrest was a coordinated effort by senior law enforcement officers, including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, the Metropolitan Police Chief, and his deputies, along with investigative officers from the fourth subdivision. The man, Prasobchok, also known as Chok…

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  • Cannabis NewsDeputy PM supports regulated cannabis use in Thailand

    Deputy PM supports regulated cannabis use in Thailand

    In a significant public announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul voiced his stance on the ongoing cannabis debate in Thailand, declaring he supports regulated use. This followed an interview with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on France 24, in which the leader suggested the reclassification of marijuana as an illicit substance due to its deemed harmful effects on Thai society.…

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  • Pattaya NewsThai health pushes for alcohol-free Songkran celebrations

    Thai health pushes for alcohol-free Songkran celebrations

    The Thai Health Promotion Foundation, StopDrink Network (SDN), and other relevant agencies conducted a press conference on Monday to deliberate on the celebration of Songkran in a manner that prioritised enjoyment, safety, and the absence of violence. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of Thai Health, emerged as one of the prominent speakers at the event. Pairoj ardently advocated for the celebration…

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  • Thailand NewsDive tour boat Sea World 1 catches fire in Phuket

    Dive tour boat Sea World 1 catches fire in Phuket

    A fire broke out yesterday on a well-known dive tour boat, Sea World 1, at Thap Lamu in Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga, north of Phuket, causing substantial damage. The Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command (3AC) was alerted to the blaze at 6.30pm yesterday. Despite the main headquarters of the 3AC being located in Cape Panwa, Phuket, they operate…

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  • Press RoomExplore the wonders of Thailand with the Big C Lucky Landing Campaign

    Explore the wonders of Thailand with the Big C Lucky Landing Campaign

    Embark on an unforgettable journey to Thailand with the Big C Lucky Landing campaign, the ultimate shopping extravaganza from April 1 to May 31, 2024. Partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Big C Supercenter invites international tourists to explore Thailand’s vibrant culture and heritage while enjoying a treasure trove of rewards. Prime Destination for Authentic Thai Souvenirs Mr.…

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  • Thailand NewsRatchaburi highway police arrest wanted criminals

    Ratchaburi highway police arrest wanted criminals

    Highway police officers made a significant arrest yesterday after pulling over a vehicle with an expired registration plate. During a routine check near kilometre marker 83 to 84 on Rama 2 Road in Wang Manao, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province, the officers uncovered connections to a high-profile criminal case. The vehicle, driven by 49 year old Samart (surname withheld) and…

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  • Thailand NewsSmokin’ scuffle: Foreigner’s taxi tantrum goes viral in Phuket

    Smokin’ scuffle: Foreigner’s taxi tantrum goes viral in Phuket

    A video of a foreign man attacking a Thai taxi driver on a road in the Thalang district of Phuket this morning went viral on Thai social media. The physical assault was reportedly sparked after the driver asked the foreigner to stop smoking in the cab. The Facebook page, Newshawk Phuket, shared a video of the incident at about 9.40am…

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  • CannabisBuild Your cannabis brand in Thailand with proven marketing strategies

    Build Your cannabis brand in Thailand with proven marketing strategies

    Establishing a cannabis brand in Thailand by the year 2024 necessitates engagement with a dynamic and swiftly transforming market. In the era of digitalization, cultivating a robust online presence transcends preference and becomes imperative. Whether embarking on this venture anew or aiming to broaden your market footprint, comprehension of the digital domain is pivotal for success. Confrontation with advertising limitations…

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  • Road deathsFatal Bangkok motorcycle collision leaves unknown foreigner dead

    Fatal Bangkok motorcycle collision leaves unknown foreigner dead

    A fatal collision in Bangkok on Monday resulted in the death of an unknown foreigner and the severe injury of a Thai man. The incident took place on Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok at 2.50pm on April 1, and involved a large motorcycle colliding with a smaller one. Officers from Samre Police Station and emergency services were alerted to the…

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  • AutomotiveHow to drive safely during Thailand’s Songkran festival

    How to drive safely during Thailand’s Songkran festival

    Navigating the roads safely during Songkran in Thailand necessitates a specialized set of skills and preparatory measures. As the Thai New Year, Songkran is renowned for its national water festivities, which metamorphose streets into vibrant arenas of celebration. Although this period is marked by jubilation, driving amidst such exuberance presents distinct challenges, particularly for those not accustomed to the festival’s…

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  • Phuket NewsSupersmash: SuperCheap truck delivers chaos in Phuket

    Supersmash: SuperCheap truck delivers chaos in Phuket

    A SuperCheap delivery truck yesterday caused havoc in the car park of the Eua-Athorn Housing Authority estate in Srisoonthorn, Moo 1 when it smashed into two parked pickup trucks. The police are still in the process of contacting the pickup trucks’ owners. The incident was reported to Police Lieutenant Kraisorn Bunprasop of the Thalang Police Station around 4.10pm, yesterday, April…

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  • Thailand NewsBig Joke denies money laundering charges

    Big Joke denies money laundering charges

    Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn made a high-profile visit to the Taopoon Police Station yesterday afternoon, where he officially acknowledged the money laundering charges levied against him. After enduring four hours of intense questioning, he was eventually granted bail. Speaking to reporters as he exited the police station at around 8pm, Big Joke vehemently denied…

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