Year: 2024

  • Business NewsBangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery

    Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery

    Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand’s busiest, is facing daily traffic congestion as vehicles compete for parking spaces. The problem is compounded by long queues at immigration and baggage claim areas due to inoperative kiosks and staff shortages. Tourist complaints prompted an unannounced visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has since ordered airport authorities to quicken procedures to under…

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  • Business NewsFuel dispensers’ accuracy standards to tighten in Thailand

    Fuel dispensers’ accuracy standards to tighten in Thailand

    The Internal Trade Department of the Commerce Ministry is set to tighten the accuracy standards for fuel dispensers at petrol stations. The new directive seeks to lower the margin of error to ensure that consumers receive fair and accurate fuel measurements. The department expects to enforce the new criteria within the next one to two weeks. Chakra Yodmani, the department’s…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok’s Mo Chit 2 bus terminal enhances safety with arrival area closure

    Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 bus terminal enhances safety with arrival area closure

    Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), or Mo Chit 2 as it is commonly referred to, announced the closure of its arrival area on March 1. The decision is part of a broader initiative to enhance passenger safety and curb the activities of illegal motorcycle taxis targeting travellers. The government and the Transport Ministry previously instructed Transport Co, the operator of the…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand battles highest bile duct cancer rate in Southeast Asia

    Thailand battles highest bile duct cancer rate in Southeast Asia

    Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew revealed that Thailand has the highest rate of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) among the ASEAN nations. The minister announced this worrying statistic at an event commemorating World CCA Day in Maha Sarakham. The primary cause of this cancer is identified as liver fluke. Thailand, being the Southeast Asia nation with the highest prevalence of CCA,…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s DNP refutes Khao Yai National Park farmland claims

    Thailand’s DNP refutes Khao Yai National Park farmland claims

    Claims to farmland within Khao Yai National Park were strongly refuted yesterday by Thailand’s Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). This came in response to a recent announcement by the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) that approximately 2,933 rai of land within Pak Chong district, a Unesco World Heritage site area, have been designated as agricultural land…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s private ownership of lions raises safety concerns

    Thailand’s private ownership of lions raises safety concerns

    The private ownership of wild animals, notably lions, has come under scrutiny in Thailand following several incidents where these creatures were observed in public areas. The issue has sparked widespread concern among the public regarding safety and animal welfare. The first case surfaced in January when a lion cub was noticed in the backseat of a fancy convertible in Pattaya.…

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  • Thailand NewsProposed amendment extends universal healthcare to cover surrogacy

    Proposed amendment extends universal healthcare to cover surrogacy

    An impending amendment to the surrogacy law, governing technology-assisted reproduction, proposes the inclusion of any complications arising during pregnancy within the universal healthcare scheme (UHS). This legislation is slated for approval in the year’s third quarter. Dr Sura Wisedsak, Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) Director-General, elaborated that the proposed coverage would span from conception through to a minimum of…

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  • Thailand NewsChinese woman escapes deadly fire trap after Pattaya assault

    Chinese woman escapes deadly fire trap after Pattaya assault

    A Chinese woman, allegedly lured and assaulted in a remote area near Pattaya, survived an attempt on her life after the assailant reportedly set the surrounding grassland on fire. The incident took place yesterday, February 18, and police are now investigating the mystery, examining all available evidence, including CCTV footage from the day of the crime. The harrowing ordeal began…

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  • Thailand NewsCat in coma after receiving dog flea treatment

    Cat in coma after receiving dog flea treatment

    A veterinarian using the TikTok handle @tobtabvet raised a serious alarm about the dangers of administering flea and tick medication intended for dogs to cats. A recent case involving a cat that fell into a coma after being given dog-specific flea treatment by its owner sparked a warning about the risks of blindness and even death from such actions. The…

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  • GuidesCapturing the heart of Thailand: A photographer’s journey

    Capturing the heart of Thailand: A photographer’s journey

    Embarking on a journey to Thailand transforms not just your travel diary but your perspective on capturing the world through a lens. The vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the essence of distant lands come alive when you decide to document your experiences. It’s about more than just taking photos; it’s about telling a story, your story, through every snapshot and…

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  • GuidesThe science of the heart: Understanding love’s chemical

    The science of the heart: Understanding love’s chemical

    Ever wondered what sparks fly when you’re head over heels for someone? It’s not just poetry in motion; there’s a science to it. The chemistry of love is a fascinating journey into how our brains and bodies react when we find that special someone. What Is love? When you ponder the essence of love, you’re delving into a realm far…

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  • Thailand NewsPharmacist dies after falling from MRT Tha Phra station

    Pharmacist dies after falling from MRT Tha Phra station

    A pharmacist tragically lost his life after falling from the third floor of the Tha Phra MRT station today at approximately 10.57am. The incident, which left witnesses in extreme shock, unfolded when a 62 year old pharmacist and manager of a medical supply company, was seen plummeting to his death right before their eyes. At the scene under the MRT…

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  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for intense heat with temperatures soaring

    Thailand braces for intense heat with temperatures soaring

    Thailand is bracing for a severe heatwave, with weather maps turning a deep red, verging on black, indicating extreme temperatures are on the way. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts this year to be hotter by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the previous year. Some areas may experience highs of up to 44.5 degrees Celsius. The five provinces expected…

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  • Thailand NewsContent creator clash with gang leader goes viral in Bangkok

    Content creator clash with gang leader goes viral in Bangkok

    A heated altercation escalated to a bout of fisticuffs between content creator Jack Papho and Melai Ratchada, leader of the notorious Unbathed Gang, following a dispute over damaged property. Jack, known for his humorous and sometimes controversial content, found himself at odds with the famed gang leader, leading to an incident that ended at the police station. The drama unfolded…

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  • Road deathsDrunk driver kills traffic officer in hit-and-run on Rama 4 Road

    Drunk driver kills traffic officer in hit-and-run on Rama 4 Road

    A tragic incident unfolded on February 16, when a Chevrolet Captiva sped through a police checkpoint on Rama 4 Road, striking and fatally injuring a traffic police officer before fleeing the scene. The driver, later apprehended by police, was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 187 milligrammes percent, far exceeding the legal limit. On the night of February…

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  • Thailand NewsWoman hijacks rescue truck in Bangkok, sparks police chase

    Woman hijacks rescue truck in Bangkok, sparks police chase

    In a bizarre incident this morning, a Japanese woman seized a rescue pickup truck in front of the Lumpini Police Station while the vehicle was assisting an injured foreign man. The woman, whose identity is yet to be determined, drove off with the vehicle at approximately 8.10am, leading authorities on a chase that concluded near the large roundabout in the…

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  • World NewsMalaysian bride heartbroken as groom’s ex attends wedding

    Malaysian bride heartbroken as groom’s ex attends wedding

    The wedding of a Malaysian bride turned bittersweet when her husband’s ex-girlfriend attended the event, and the groom’s family’s actions left her heartbroken. The father of the groom’s comments struck a particularly painful chord, prompting sympathy from those aware of the situation. Marriage ceremonies are traditionally occasions of immense joy, marking the beginning of a new shared life. Yet, when…

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  • World NewsBrazen subway act atop NYC train sparks safety, decency outcry

    Brazen subway act atop NYC train sparks safety, decency outcry

    A daring and reckless display by two men atop a New York City subway train has become the talk of the online world. The pair engaged in explicit acts in broad daylight, not only shocking onlookers but also creating a serious safety concern. This incident, caught on camera, shows the two individuals performing the dangerous act above the Van Wyck…

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  • GuidesThe magic of mascots in building brand identity

    The magic of mascots in building brand identity

    In today’s bustling market, standing out is crucial, and mascots could be your golden ticket. They’re not just fun faces for your brand; they’re powerful tools that forge deep connections with your audience. Unlike celebrities, who can be costly and unpredictable, mascots offer a cost-effective and reliable way to enhance your brand’s presence. What is a mascot? A mascot serves…

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  • Road deathsFamily pilgrimage ends in van-truck collision tragedy in Buriram

    Family pilgrimage ends in van-truck collision tragedy in Buriram

    A family outing turned tragic yesterday evening when their van collided with a eucalyptus wood transport truck, leaving two dead and four seriously injured. Around 8.30pm on February 17, authorities from the Satuek Police Station in Buriram Province, led by Deputy Investigator Thanadorn Phaksarum, were called to the scene of the accident on the Buriram-Stuek Road, heading towards the city…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s democracy index ranking drops due to unelected govt

    Thailand’s democracy index ranking drops due to unelected govt

    The yearly Democracy Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has seen Thailand’s ranking fall by eight places, a change largely ascribed to the latest government formation by unelected senators rather than voters. The EIU placed Thailand in the 63rd position among 167 countries and territories in 2023, a drop from its 55th position in 2022. The country’s score…

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  • Thailand NewsKanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project

    Kanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project

    Kanchanaburi’s five districts are set to benefit from a water diversion tunnel project that aims to alleviate drought problems. The project, which is valued at 12 billion baht (US$335,746,080), seeks to transfer 378 million cubic metres of water from the Srinagarind Dam, the largest dam in the western region, to an area of 200,000 rai in the Huay Krachao, Lao…

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  • Thailand NewsThai security academic calls for transparency in government assets

    Thai security academic calls for transparency in government assets

    An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. His proposal aims to enhance transparency through regulated financial accounts and the disclosure of expenditures. Panitan, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, expressed his concerns, highlighting the ministries of Education, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and Finance…

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  • Thailand NewsJoint Thai-US operation to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai begins

    Joint Thai-US operation to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai begins

    A joint operation to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, which tragically sank approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, will kick off this Thursday, as announced by the Thai and US navies. The vessel was victim to a fierce storm that led to its sinking. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Veerudom Muangjin,…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsMekong basin developmental projects threaten livelihoods, wildlife

    Mekong basin developmental projects threaten livelihoods, wildlife

    An expert in sustainable growth and fair use of natural resources has warned that lives and livelihoods along the Mekong Basin could be in jeopardy as a result of developmental projects. The 14,000-rai Wiang Nong Lom in northern Thailand, a shared resource and home to a multitude of freshwater species, has long been a haven for local wildlife. Now, however,…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand revenue dept rectifies glitch in My Tax Account system

    Thailand revenue dept rectifies glitch in My Tax Account system

    A glitch in the My Tax Account system of Thailand’s Revenue Department has been promptly rectified, with department authorities confirming that the issue was not triggered by a security violation. This affirmation comes after several taxpayers discovered the addition of two unexplained income entries on the My Tax Account online platform, a part of the Revenue Department’s e-tax filing system.…

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  • Thailand NewsConcerns rise as wild tiger lurks near Kamphaeng Phet village

    Concerns rise as wild tiger lurks near Kamphaeng Phet village

    A wild tiger prowling the vicinity of a village in Kamphaeng Phet sparked serious concerns among locals, prompting the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to dispatch a team of officials and veterinarians to capture the big cat. The tiger was sighted in the forest adjacent to Kariang Namtok village in Khlong Lan Pattana of Khlong Lan…

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  • GuidesIconic Thai street art pieces and their stories

    Iconic Thai street art pieces and their stories

    Thailand’s streets are a canvas, showcasing some of the most iconic graffiti artworks that tell stories of culture, resistance, and creativity. As you wander through bustling cities and quiet alleyways, you’re bound to stumble upon vibrant murals that capture the essence of Thai life and beyond. From the heart of Bangkok’s urban sprawl to the hidden corners of smaller towns,…

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  • GuidesThailand’s Tattoo Artists: Masters of Innovation and Tradition

    Thailand’s Tattoo Artists: Masters of Innovation and Tradition

    Thailand’s tattoo scene is evolving, and you’re in for a treat if you’re keen on the latest ink trends. Gone are the days when the Sak Yant, a symbol of protection and strength, was the only choice for ink enthusiasts. Today, the Land of Smiles is bustling with creativity, merging traditional designs with modern flair. Are tattoos acceptable in Thailand?…

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  • Thailand NewsFresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn

    Fresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn

    In a bid to tackle the parched plight of Koh Larn amidst soaring tourist numbers, Pattaya is eyeing a collaboration with a new water supplier to bolster freshwater production. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai revealed plans for a potential alliance with a novel water supply venture, projecting a surge in production capacity to a substantial 1,000 cubic metres per day, catering…

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  • Thailand NewsOpenAI breaks barriers with ‘Sora’ project

    OpenAI breaks barriers with ‘Sora’ project

    Artificial intelligence (AI) juggernaut OpenAI unveiled its groundbreaking project dubbed Sora, a text-to-video model set to democratise video creation as we know it. Gone are the days of pricey equipment and inaccessible know-how. With Sora, all you need is a prompt and a dream. Sora operates much like its predecessors, ChatGPT and DALL·E, responding to written cues by conjuring up 60…

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  • GuidesDiscover the Charms of Bangkok with Friends

    Discover the Charms of Bangkok with Friends

    Exploring Bangkok with your mates? You’re in for a treat! Often just seen as a pitstop on the way to Thailand’s islands or the North, many don’t realise Bangkok’s true potential as a standalone destination. With its bustling economy, efficient metro system, mouthwatering street food, top-notch restaurants, and electrifying nightlife, Bangkok is a city that truly has it all. Highlights…

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  • GuidesExploring Thai street art: An introduction to Thailand’s urban canvas

    Exploring Thai street art: An introduction to Thailand’s urban canvas

    Thai street art offers a vibrant glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry, blending traditional themes with contemporary issues. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a dialogue between the past and present, making cities like Bangkok living galleries. As you wander through the bustling streets, you’re stepping into a world where every wall tells a story, every mural whispers legends,…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s cultural marvel: Khon dance meets history in Ayutthaya

    Thailand’s cultural marvel: Khon dance meets history in Ayutthaya

    In a fusion of ancient artistry and historical grandeur, the Khon masked dance will weave its enchanting tales against the backdrop of Ayutthaya next month. This cultural extravaganza promises to be a visual feast, celebrating Thailand’s vibrant legacy in a way never seen before. Part of the esteemed Ayutthaya Sundown 2024 programme by the Ministry of Culture, this Khon performance…

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  • Thailand NewsSurrogacy to be covered by health insurance in Thailand

    Surrogacy to be covered by health insurance in Thailand

    The Health Service Support Department is joining forces with the Office of Insurance Commission and insurance providers to integrate surrogacy into the health insurance scheme. This move comes in response to Thailand’s plummeting birth rates and the looming spectre of an ageing population. According to Dr Sura Wisedsak, the department’s director-general, a whopping 114 hospitals and clinics across Thailand are…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand tourism council study reveals surprising spending trends

    Thailand tourism council study reveals surprising spending trends

    In an investigation undertaken by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), it has emerged that a significant portion of the Thai populace has adopted a more frugal approach to their expenditure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The TCT’s exhaustive survey, spanning from last year up to now, canvassed the travel inclinations of 418 Thai individuals earning over 10,000…

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  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Srettha confirms Thaksin’s release tomorrow

    Update: Srettha confirms Thaksin’s release tomorrow

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s release from hospital detention, confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, marks the end of a dramatic chapter in Thai politics. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile, will step out of confinement on Sunday, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. The 74 year old ex-PM, serving a commuted one-year sentence for…

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