Year: 2024
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target
The government’s ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors is viewed as daunting by Thailand tourism operators, considering factors such as high travel costs, diminished demand in big markets such as China and Russia, and competition from surrounding nations. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who heads the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, pinpointed the stagnant Chinese market as a significant issue,…
Read More » - Automotive
The 5 best EV cars to buy in Thailand right now
More and more people in the world are ditching their fossil-fuelled cars and choosing to drive electric cars, also known as electric vehicles (EV), instead. And Thailand is no exception, with a growing market for EV cars in the country. The shift towards EV cars is an essential component of Thailand’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce greenhouse gas…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai man nabbed for illegal soil excavation worth thousands of baht
Today, in Phichit province, local authorities apprehended a man who had been excavating soil from his land for commercial purposes. This operation, led by Natkrit Noykampun, Director of the 4 Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, along with his team, was launched following suspicions raised by two trucks heavily laden with wet, sticky soil on a main road. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s deputy police chief set for National Security Council role
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin approved the appointment of Deputy National Police Chief Police General Roy Inkhapairote as the Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC). The appointment, which has received unanimous agreement from all relevant parties, now awaits the royal seal of approval. The role of NSC secretary-general has been left unclaimed following the retirement of Gen. Supot Malaniyom on September…
Read More » - Thailand News
Starbucks steams up with price hike, now costlier than Thailand’s minimum wage
Starbucks, one of Thailand’s most popular coffee chains, announced that the prices of its beverages will be increased by 5 baht at all of its stores across the country from today. One cup of coffee from Starbucks is now more expensive than Thailand’s national minimum wage. The corporation says the reason for the price hike is due to the current…
Read More » - Thailand News
British tourist’s lost wallet returned by Thai hotel worker
A British holidaymaker on Koh Samui Island in Thailand is set to return home with a pleasant memory following a hotel worker’s return of his lost wallet during the new year celebrations. The wallet was found on Bophut Beach by Pakdee Trirat, an employee at the Holiday Inn Samui, amidst the festivities on the night of December 31. Surat Thani…
Read More » - Thailand News
Transport minister: Feeder buses to save Red and Purple Lines
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit slammed naysayers in Parliament, asserting confidence that the state-owned Purple and Red Lines train services are on the brink of turning a profit within the next six months, all thanks to a game-changing feeder bus system. Addressing critics of the government’s daring move to cap maximum fares at 20 baht for electric train services in Bangkok,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Power play: Energy minister’s plan sparks potential for across-the-board cost cuts
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga unveiled a plan that could slash energy costs across the board. Pirapan declared yesterday, January 3, that a paradigm shift is imminent in the gas supply sector, aiming to empower power producers and significantly cut down on electricity expenses. The key? A strategic merger of gas pools to unleash a domino effect that could alter the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Vietnam fines TikTok influencer for Angkor Wat mix-up
In a 90-second TikTok clip that shook the social media scene, Vietnamese influencer Hua Quoc Anh found himself in hot waters after overlaying the Thai flag on an image of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The influencer faced a hefty US$300 fine (approximately 10,000 baht) and a stern meeting with the authorities. Vietnam, known for its tight grip on social media in…
Read More » - Thailand News
KTC reports robust growth, launches Thailand’s first digital credit card
KTC, the leading credit card service provider in Thailand, reported a robust growth in its operations for the year 2023. The company revealed a surge in card spending exceeding its initial target by over 10%. Continuing its growth trajectory into 2024, KTC maintains its previous growth target of 15%. Currently, KTC holds a 12% market share in the total card…
Read More » - Thailand News
Journey of hope: Thai-American woman seeks long-lost Thai mother
A half Thai half American woman reached out to the Thai media in a bid to reunite her with her long-lost mum who is believed to live in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani. The 53 year old Thai-American woman, identified only as Janny, told her story to The Isaan Record, in the hope that someone knows her Thai mother…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pickup truck plunges into Bangkok canal in shocking late-night incident
A shocking incident unfolded today when a pickup truck plunged into a drainage canal alongside Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The driver managed to escape unharmed and reported that the accident occurred while he was swerving to avoid a municipal water truck. Late that night, Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerapoj Thonghet, an investigator at Vibhavadi Police Station, received a report of a pickup…
Read More » - World News
Tokyo’s unique Mori Ouchi café caters to the pessimistic crowd
Tucked away in the Shimokitazawa district of Tokyo, Japan, a unique café, known as Mori Ouchi, offers a haven for those with a pessimistic outlook on life. Despite appearing as a conventional café from the outside, the establishment caters specifically to individuals who view the world negatively. The café, named Mori Ouchi, was conceptualised and launched three years ago amidst…
Read More » - Thailand News
Rare oarfish discovered near Adang Island, Thailand: Mythical sea creature or tsunami predictor
A rare deep-sea creature, known as the Oarfish or Ribbonfish, was recently discovered near Adang Island, in the region of Satun Province, Thailand. The Science of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources TSU page reported the sighting of this marine species, recognised scientifically as Regalecus glesne, yesterday, January 3, by the fishing vessel Thepcharoenporn 15. Belonging to the Regalecidae family, the Oarfish,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Royal ripple: US court docs weave tangled ties, linking Prince Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein scandal (video)
Newly released US court documents have unveiled a web of connections between high-profile figures and the notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – including Prince Andrew. The scandalous details, including accusations against the 63 year old Duke of York, and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, are sending shockwaves through elite circles. Prince Andrew finds himself entangled in the latest…
Read More » - World News
Discovering Ruki: The world’s darkest river
Ruki, a tributary of the Congo River, has been identified as the world’s darkest river due to its near-black colouration which makes it almost impossible to see anything, even one’s reflection. Scientific tests revealed that this extreme darkness is due to the high level of dissolved organic matter in the water, which originates from the surrounding dense forests. This dark…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s Kra Isthmus Land Bridge promises economic boom for Penang Port
Thailand is eyeing a colossal infrastructure project, a 90-kilometre land bridge across the Kra Isthmus, set to revolutionise maritime trade and shower economic benefits on ports in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Penang Port Sdn Bhd CEO V Sasedharan envisions this ambitious project as a potential game-changer, akin to the impact the Suez Canal had on Egyptian waterway-adjacent ports. The proposed land…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket authorities step up anti-drug operations, apprehend two suspects
As Phuket’s officials are making moves to address drug use among boat operators, Thalang Police have concurrently stepped up their anti-drug operations. The outcome of these intensified efforts is the recent apprehension of two individuals, confirmed to be in illegal possession of methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba, with intentions to distribute. The Thalang Police Force made public the results…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pattani police crack down on cross-border migrant smuggling
Authorities in Thailand detained a man from Pattani province on charges of orchestrating the illegal transport of migrant workers into the country, subsequently facilitating their clandestine journey into neighbouring Malaysia. The Immigration Police disclosed the arrest of a 56 year old man named Abdullah, in the district of Nongjik, following a concerted effort to dismantle a human smuggling network. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Boo in Nong Bon: Local grandma spooks community with twilight tales of ghostly bamboo antics
Rumours have spread throughout the Nong Bon community that an older woman known as Grandma Prapong is a local ghost, reportedly seen lurking in the bamboo forest and exhibiting peculiar behaviour at dusk. The intrigue escalated to such an extent that it frightened children into feverish states, leading local paranormal investigator, Prasert, to intervene and verify the validity of these…
Read More » - Thailand News
LA orthodontist’s narrow escape from electrocution in Thailand
When a Los Angeles-based orthodontist‘s dream Thai vacation took a horrifying turn, it shocked social media with her Instagram and TikTok followers expressing their concern and support. Dr Cara Hodgson, boasting a considerable online following of 25,500 on Instagram and 97,000 on TikTok, usually shares glimpses of her jet-setting lifestyle and dental tips. However, her recent revelation about a life-threatening…
Read More » - Thailand News
Townhouse collapse in central Thailand raises safety concerns
A devastating incident occurred as a two-storey townhouse collapsed, causing damage to multiple properties in central Thailand. The calamity took place within the Teacher’s Village in Ban Khlong Suan, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan last night. The authorities were alerted and emergency response teams were dispatched to assess the situation and provide assistance. The area, roughly 5 kilometres from…
Read More » - Thailand News
Foreign woman slips and collapses on breakwater wall at Pranburi Beach
The non-profit organisation Beach for Life Thailand called for enhanced safety measures following an incident in which a foreign woman slipped and fell on a breakwater wall at Pranburi Beach in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. This infamous location has previously caused harm, resulting in a disability for a Thai man. The foreign woman reportedly lost consciousness after…
Read More » - Phuket News
Scheduled power cut in Layan Soi 1, Phuket for essential maintenance work
An announced power cut is set to disrupt numerous residences, condominiums, and villa estates along Layan Soi 1, Moo 6, Cherng Talay, Phuket. The Provincial Electricity Authority’s Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) has planned this interruption for tomorrow, The blackout, scheduled from 9am to 4.30pm, is required to facilitate maintenance work on the high-voltage electrical system in the said area. The…
Read More » - Things To Do
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 5 – 7)
Embark on a captivating journey through various facets of Bangkok, from art exhibitions celebrating the essence of joy to revitalized urban landscapes and nature-inspired experiences. Join us as we explore the city’s cultural richness and creativity, offering a delightful blend of artistry, rejuvenation, and innovative workspaces. Let’s delve into the heart of Bangkok’s unique charm and discover the joy in…
Read More » - Aviation News
Japan Airlines cancel 130 flights amid Haneda Airport runway repair
Approximately 130 flights were cancelled today by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) as the fallout from Tuesday’s accident at Haneda Airport continues to impact operations. The cancellation was necessitated after a collision between a JAL passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard plane at the airport. Reports indicate that one of Haneda Airport’s four runways remains…
Read More » - Thailand News
Government Savings Bank issues alert on fake news loan scam
The Government Savings Bank (GSB) issued a warning to the public regarding fake news circulating on Facebook. A page has been promoting that GSB offers emergency loans ranging from 10,000 baht (US$289) to 50,000 baht (US$1,448) with low interest and no guarantor needed. The Anti-Fake News Centre Thailand (AFNC) investigated the matter and GSB clarified that it was a case…
Read More » - Thailand News
Major international drug ring busted in Thailand: Over 15 million meth pills and 105 million baht assets seized
A significant international drug ring has been dismantled, leading to the arrest of the operation’s leader and the seizure of over 15 million methamphetamine pills, and more than one tonne each of heroin, ketamine, and ice. The operation also netted assets worth approximately 105 million baht. The announcement came today from the Anti-Narcotics Police Headquarters, spearheaded by Kittirat Phanphet, Deputy…
Read More » - Thailand News
Gold price dips to 33,900 baht per baht, says GTA
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) decreased the gold price consecutively today compared to the closing price yesterday. The bullion price shifted to 33,900 baht (US$981) per baht today. Reporters stated that the GTA announced a 100 baht (US$2.89) decrease in today’s gold price compared to yesterday’s closing price, with the bullion price now standing at 33,900 baht (US$981) per baht,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Wat Phra Dhammakaya denies association with Yore sect amid misleading media reports
Wat Phra Dhammakaya, a revered Thai temple, has officially announced its lack of association with the Yore sect, in response to misleading information presented by certain online media outlets today. The temple emphasised its position as a devout Buddhist institution under the Thai Sangha, adhering to the principles of Dhamma and Vinaya discipline. The temple’s clarification came after a news…
Read More » - Thailand News
100% recovery predicted for Thailand’s hospitality sector
In an exclusive interview, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the Thai Hotel Association (THA) President, shared her optimism about Thailand‘s tourism prospects, predicting a remarkable comeback from the pandemic’s impact by the latter half of 2024. “2023 saw Thai hotels at a 60% occupancy rate, down from the pre-Covid glory of 75% in 2019. However, with more flights to Thailand and a…
Read More » - Thailand News
Essential guide to alcohol regulations in Thailand for 2024 visitors
As we welcome the blossoming year of 2024, those planning to visit Thailand should have a grasp of the specific days when alcohol sales will face restrictions and bars and entertainment venues will close. These dates, referred to as “No Booze Days,” are critical as they prohibit all booze sales, including stores, restaurants, and hotels. To assist you in planning…
Read More » - World News
Twins born in different years mark unique start to 2024 at New Jersey hospital
The birth of twin boys in the United States at Virtua Voorhees Hospital in New Jersey marked an extraordinary start to 2024. Despite being born only 40 minutes apart, their birth years differ by one. The first sibling, Ezra, arrived on December 31 last year at 11.48pm, weighing 2.72 kilogrammes, while the second, Ezekiel, was born in the early moments of…
Read More » - World News
Zombie deer disease alert in Yellowstone sparks potential pandemic fears
The outbreak of the so-called Zombie Deer Disease has been reported in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, according to The Guardian website. This affliction, found in deer species, alarmed researchers and scientists due to its significant environmental impact and potential to infect humans. Prions, abnormal and infectious agents, cause Zombie Deer Disease. These prions induce changes in the brain and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Zika alert: Hua Hin calls for pregnant women to undergo virus test
As Zika fears grip Hua Hin, the quaint Thai resort town finds itself battling a sudden surge in cases. The Public Health Office of Prachuap Khiri Khan is sounding the alarm, urging expectant mothers to take immediate action. In response to an alarming spike in Zika virus cases, the Public Health Office of Prachuap Khiri Khan has issued a stark…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai man seeks justice after repeated thefts and 14 stitches to his penis
An 83 year old Thai man yesterday demanded police to take action after suffering repeated thefts and receiving 14 stitches to his penis following an attack by a thief in the Isaan province of Loei. The victim, Tanat, told Channel 3 that his home had been robbed five times. The latest incident took place at about 4am, yesterday, January 3.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Street shootout shakes Phuket: Teen hospitalised, passerby catches stray bullet drama
A teenager yesterday was hospitalised after a tumultuous shootout on a street near Saphan Hin, Phuket. A passerby suffered a shoulder wound whilst the teen had a head injury. Phuket Police received a report of a shootout near the Phuket Marine police chief’s residence on Phuket Road yesterday, January 3, at 3.10am. Police found a damaged glass louvre in one of…
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