Year: 2024
- Thailand News
Pilgrimage bus crash near Khao Kitchakut claims a life, injures 9
A pilgrimage bus met a tragic fate today as it descended from the Khao Kitchakut mountain in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, veering off course and overturning. The calamitous incident claimed the life of one individual and left nine others with injuries, including three foreigners. The accident occurred close to a toll station when the bus, filled with worshippers returning from a…
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PM Srettha’s surprise visit to Yala province sparks tourist frenzy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, flanked by a cadre of ministers, paid a surprise visit to Yala Province yesterday, igniting a blaze of excitement aimed at boosting the region’s tourism. This high-stakes visit, part of an expansive tour spanning Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, aims to catapult Yala’s tourism sector into the stratosphere, setting a bold target of 2 million visitors, both…
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Illegal Myanmar workers found in vegetable crates on Thai border
A covert operation to smuggle illegal workers across the Thai-Myanmar border was thwarted when vigilant paramilitary forces discovered eight Myanmar nationals hidden in vegetable crates. The shocking find occurred during a routine vehicle stop by soldiers from the 35th Ranger Forces Regiment at a checkpoint on the Mae Sot-Tha Song Yang road in Tak province. Paramilitary forces, led by Colonel…
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Phuket parasail operator shells out 400,000 baht to injured Chinese tourist
A Thai parasailing operator agreed to pay a Chinese tourist 400,000 baht in compensation after she broke her leg in a parasailing accident on Karon Beach in Phuket on Saturday, February 24. The operator blamed the accident on a change in wind direction and insisted they adhered to strict safety measures. The Chinese woman, Nadahan, took to social media to…
Read More » - Business News
Thai Department of Commerce collaborates to stabilise fruit market
The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with global fruit importers, is examining the futures market and preparing to roll out an additional 35 initiatives. These initiatives are aimed at promoting Thai agricultural products, to maintain price stability throughout the year. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday presided over a business-matching project’s launch. This project, centred on fresh and processed fruit and…
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Thailand’s tusker turnaround: TAT teams up with WWF for elephant-friendly travels
In a bid to promote responsible tourism and protect Thai elephants, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to pledge unwavering support to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Thailand and its Travel Ivory Free initiative. This collaborative effort aims to combat the illegal ivory market by encouraging travellers to refrain from purchasing ivory items during their visits. Recently,…
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Singapore’s Tada revs up in Thailand with zero commission fees
In a bid to capture the hearts and wallets of Thai commuters, Tada, the Singapore-based ride-hailing giant, is revving up for its grand entrance into Bangkok’s competitive market. With zero commission fees and a vow to balance the books within three to five years, Tada aims to disrupt the status quo and dominate Thailand’s ride-hailing landscape. Establishing its foothold in…
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War on online scams: Nearly 40,000 fraudulent accounts frozen
Since its establishment on November 1 last year, the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC 1441) has waged a battle against cyber fraud, culminating in the freezing of 39,918 bank accounts, revealed Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong. Prasert disclosed that this drastic action was prompted by a deluge of 307,515 complaints received by AOC as of January’s conclusion. Explaining…
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Swedish man arrested for fake euro currency caper in Phuket
Police arrested a Swedish man in the Patong sub-district of Katu district, Phuket province, after discovering that he exchanged money using fake euro banknotes. Patong Police Station officers received a complaint from an employer at the Violet Money Exchange 2 on Saen Saai Road that a Swedish man was exchanging money using counterfeit euro notes at 1.50pm on February 26.…
Read More » - Business News
Consumer confidence hits 47-month high amid economic recovery
January saw a significant rise in consumer confidence, reaching the highest level in 47 months due to the ongoing economic recovery, according to a statement by Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja. The consumer confidence index marked its sixth consecutive month of growth, reaching 62.9, a slight increase from 62.0 in December. This growth is indicative of improved domestic…
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Planting seeds of change: Thai veggie market sprouts into billion-baht industry
In a culinary revolution, plant-based food companies are urged to overhaul taste, slash prices, and boost health benefits. Will this signal a paradigm shift in global dining habits? The Thai plant-based food market, once a niche, is now a burgeoning industry worth billions. By 2024, it’s expected to skyrocket to 45 billion baht, according to Statista, a German online platform…
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Chinese makeup artist turns 57 year old into youthful sensation
The transformation of a 57 year old comedian into a youthful idol by a Chinese makeup artist named Tuzi has sent shockwaves across the Internet and social media platforms, leaving even the comedian’s wife unable to recognize him. Tuzi’s talent for age-defying makeup has earned her the title of master of transformation and has become a viral sensation. Tuzi, famed for…
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Devotee donates gold to Thai statue after land sale
A Thai woman devotee made a grand gesture of gratitude by donating gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings to a revered statue after selling her land for over a million baht. The act of devotion took place at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, as believers and lottery enthusiasts gathered before the government lottery draw. The serene premises of Wat Sawang…
Read More » - Crime News
Missing case takes turn: Thai woman reveals escape from abusive husband
A Thai woman broke her silence after being missing for 13 days, informing a news agency that she felt compelled to disappear with her daughter to escape from her abusive husband. The businessman from the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, 42 year old Pongphumphat Chuedee, shared pictures of his wife and daughter on the Facebook account, PickNick Pimpisa. He reported…
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How conservation efforts saved the ecosystem at Maya Bay
In 2016, Maya Bay welcomed a staggering 1.73 million visitors, but its popularity devastated its delicate ecosystem. Fast forward to 2024, and the once-threatened bay stands as a testament to the power of environmental stewardship. Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a leading marine biologist explains that the target point for Maya Bay was to set up a system that would help us,…
Read More » - Business News
Bitcoin value triples in a year, hitting over 2 million baht
Bitcoin’s value soared to over 2 million baht on the Bitkub digital asset exchange, as global prices reached an all-time high of US$59,000 yesterday afternoon. This surge is due to the institutional acquisition of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a growing interest in cryptocurrency among retail investors. Udomsak Rakwongwan, co-founder of decentralised derivatives platform FWX, and Mathematics lecturer at…
Read More » - Best of
For the best night out in Bangkok, try The Comedy Joint, Bangkok’s comedy club
Bangkok’s nightlife just got much more exciting with the opening of The Comedy Joint last September. Located near Khao San Road, this comedy club has nightly shows 7 nights a week, featuring both international comedy stars and local comedians. The arrival of The Comedy Joint is certainly a breath of fresh air for Bangkok’s nightlife, and it’s set to redefine…
Read More » - Transport News
Thai minister vows to improve Rama 2 Road traffic ahead of Songkran
The quality of traffic on Rama 2 Road in Thailand is set to improve ahead of the Songkran Festival, as promised by the Thai Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, on February 27. The vow comes in the wake of a delay in the road’s construction, a setback attributed to the impact of Covid-19 on the contractors in charge of the…
Read More » - Cafe
New cafes to check out in Bangkok: 2024 edition
One thing tourists (and locals) love to do in Bangkok is café-hopping. With an ever-growing list of new and trendy cafes popping up all the time, you’ll never run out of places to explore. From Ari to Silom, no area is spared from dashing cafes sprouting up across the city. So, if you’re eager to try something new, here are…
Read More » - Technology News
Revolutionising coffee experience with a Web3 venture
Coffee Culture, a trailblazing online store for all things coffee, is venturing into the realm of Web3 with the introduction of its groundbreaking platform, Coffee Unchained. Inspired by the success stories of industry giants like Starbucks, VeeFriends, and Nike to mention a few, who have successfully utilized blockchain technology to strengthen their communities through NFTs. “As soon as we saw…
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Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra among 150 selected for new NDC defence course
The National Defence College (NDC) announced a fresh intake of 150 students for its new defence curriculum. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party, is among the selected. Paetongtarn, along with other executives, is set to delve into this new curriculum which aims to broaden their perspectives and build strong networks. Over 500 individuals applied for the prestigious course,…
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Indonesian tourist’s false Thai honeymoon drama debunked
A viral clip of an Indonesian woman‘s outcry on social media, claiming her honeymoon trip to Thailand collapsed because her husband was denied entry for not carrying cash, sparked significant attention. However, Thai immigration authorities have debunked the story as a fabrication for content creation, further uncovering that the woman is a frequent traveller to Thailand and an online merchant.…
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Thai police foil luxury car fake plate scam in Bangkok
A sophisticated scheme involving the use of counterfeit license plates on luxury vehicles has been thwarted by Thai highway police in a recent crackdown. A 41 year old woman was arrested for affixing a forged red license plate to a brand-new Bentley. The incident, which took place along Bangkok’s outer ring road, has raised concerns about the ease with which…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for turbulent weather as storms target 18 provinces
Thailand faces a significant meteorological event as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a storm warning affecting 18 provinces. The TMD forecasts thunderstorms, with a 10% chance of heavy rainfall across these regions, signalling a turbulent start to March. As the country braces for summer storms from March 1 to March 3, areas particularly affected should prepare for strong gusts…
Read More » - Business News
Thai govt considers issuing US$1 billion foreign currency bonds
The Thai government recently announced its consideration to issue foreign currency-denominated bonds valued at US$1 billion, approximately 36 billion baht, an announcement which has sparked debates over the worth and risks associated with such an undertaking. As part of this move, the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) under the Finance Ministry is examining the feasibility of offering these bonds in…
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Thailand’s tourism industry calls for eased travel restrictions
Faced with intense competition from fellow Southeast Asian countries, Thailand’s tourism industry called on the government to ease travel restrictions and promote cross-border travel. The appeal comes as Malaysia is seen to be catching up with Thailand’s tourism numbers. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a tour of three southern provinces to boost both trade and tourism.…
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Bangkok gears up for grandiose govt backed Songkran festival
Bangkok is set for an unprecedented Songkran, the annual water festival. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has plans to incorporate the festivities into the government’s soft power promotion policy, making this year’s festival more grandiose. The announcement came from Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok, yesterday. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had a meeting discussing the city’s readiness for…
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Thailand’s household electricity tariffs remain unchanged
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga affirmed that electricity tariffs for households in Thailand will remain unchanged from May to August, maintaining the current rate of 4.18 baht per unit. Pirapan, also serving as a deputy prime minister, explained that this decision has been made possible due to the continuation of gas production in the Gulf of Thailand by PTT Exploration and…
Read More » - Business News
Thai Oil predicts surge in jet fuel demand despite slow economy
Despite forecasted sluggish economic growth, Thai Oil Plc, Thailand’s leading oil refinery in terms of capacity, envisages an upturn in demand for refined oil, particularly jet fuel, in the current year. Jet fuel consumption is predicted to surge by 24.2%, equating to an average of 16.8 million litres per day (MLD). This represents a considerable increase from the previous year’s…
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Rare Siamese crocodile hatchlings spotted in Nakhon Sawan
In a heartening discovery, the elusive Siamese crocodile has made a triumphant return at Bueng Boraphet Wildlife Sanctuary in Nakhon Sawan province. After a seven-year absence, the sanctuary proudly welcomed eight Siamese crocodile hatchlings into the world. This remarkable event, announced via an uplifting Facebook post by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), has reignited hope…
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Beach blues: Thai woman assaulted by Swiss man in Phuket
A female doctor in Thailand is seeking justice after being attacked by a Swiss man for sitting on the staircase of his beachfront villa in Phuket. The foreign man is reported to be the owner of an elephant sanctuary with alleged connections with the high-ranking Thai police. The father of the victim, Chaiyachot Uttamang, took to Facebook to share the…
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Global forests in crisis: Shocking decline revealed
In a staggering revelation, the world’s forests have undergone a drastic reduction of nearly 20 million square kilometres over the past 30 years, plunging from 42.03 million square kilometres in 1992 to 40.44 million square kilometres in 2021, as per the latest data from the World Bank. Attributing this alarming loss to the relentless encroachment of agriculture and industrialisation, the…
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Chinese city gives out lottery tickets to boost birth rates
Authorities in Xi’an, China, are rolling the dice on love with a jaw-dropping scheme aimed at tackling the nation’s plummeting birth rates. In a bold move to combat China’s declining birth rates, the city of Xi’an is set to splash a whopping 700,000 yuan (equivalent to 3.6 million baht) on lottery tickets, all in the name of encouraging newlyweds to…
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Dessert vendor saves woman on footbridge in Pattaya
In a heart-stopping moment near Pattaya City School 7, a dessert vendor witnessed a young woman teetering perilously close to the edge of a footbridge along Sukhumvit Road yesterday. Whilst en route to Sattahip, the vendor, 46 year old Pradit Yoosawad, halted his vehicle without hesitation and alerted authorities to the unfolding crisis. Pradit approached the distressed woman, urging her…
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Massive amphetamine haul seized in northeast Thailand
Minister of Defence Sutin Klungsang convened a press briefing to unveil a significant crackdown resulting in the confiscation of 6 million amphetamine pills, valued at over 180 million baht, in Bung Khla, Bueng Kan on Monday. According to police sources, the operation unfolded on February 25 at 7pm when Surasakmontri rangers and Bung Khla police officers received a tip-off regarding…
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Tragic last ride: Bangkok taxi driver found dead at gas station
A taxi driver was discovered dead in his vehicle at a gas station in Bangkok’s Jomthong district. The incident occurred early this morning, February 28, and the circumstances surrounding the driver’s death are currently under investigation. The gas station on Kalapapruek Road became an unexpected crime scene this morning when a 59 year old taxi driver, identified as Sathian (surname…
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Ride historic steam trains from Bangkok to Ayutthaya on March 26
In a nostalgic nod to the past, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is reviving history with a special train journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Commemorating SRT’s 127th anniversary on March 26, the trip honours the inauguration of the rail link between the current and former capital cities back in 1896 by King Rama V. Passengers will have the unique…
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