Year: 2024
- Business News
Vietnam to block Shein, Temu if unregistered by November
Vietnam announced plans to take action against Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu by blocking their Internet domains and mobile applications if they fail to register their operations with the Ministry of Industry and Trade by the end of November. This development arises from concerns over the influence of these Chinese platforms on local markets, particularly regarding their aggressive discounting…
Read More » - Crime News
Bangkok to bang-bang: Thai tourist shot in escort row in India
A Thai tourist found herself in the crosshairs of danger after a heated dispute over escort services spiralled out of control, leading to her being shot in the historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The altercation erupted at a local hotel, ultimately escalating into violence, on Saturday, November 9. The scene unfolded when four men left the woman, identified as…
Read More » - Business News
Bitcoin hits record high after Trump’s US presidential victory
Bitcoin surged past US$81,000 (2.78 million baht) today, November 11, hitting a record high, following Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election. The victory, alongside the election of pro-crypto candidates to Congress, has fuelled speculation about a more lenient regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. The digital currency has experienced a remarkable rise, more than doubling from its lowest point of…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chinese call centre scam leader surrenders after 7 months in hiding
A leading Chinese member of a call centre scam gang in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat surrendered to Thai police after seven months in hiding. The 33 year old Chinese man, Jiang Zhaitian, reached out to the Thai police via his lawyer, expressing his intent to turn himself in. Jiang was subsequently taken to the Cyber Crime Investigation…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand gears up for excise tax as it charges into electric future
Thailand is set to adjust its automotive excise tax structure to reflect the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This move aims to harmonise local policies with international trends in the automotive industry, particularly as the competition between battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) intensifies. Paopoom highlighted the uncertainty…
Read More » - Thailand News
Canna-bust: British student’s drug-filled dreams go up in smoke
A British student’s high-flying ambitions came crashing down when his ill-fated bid to smuggle a suitcase brimming with cannabis from Thailand was thwarted. The desperate act was all in the name of funding his university education, a courtroom in Austria heard. The 29 year old mature student, travelling with his 24 year old girlfriend, was nabbed during a layover in…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai police develop influencers to combat cybercrime and aid public
National police chief Kittharath Punpetch is spearheading an innovative approach to bridge the gap between the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the public by developing police influencers. This initiative aims to establish a direct connection with the community and serve as a primary resource for crime prevention and assistance. Kittharath emphasises that RTP influencers will be accessible channels for public…
Read More » - Health
A World Kindness Day: Spread kindness, prevent illness – Get your 10% discount
With World Kindness Day just two days away on November 13, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how empathy and care can make a real impact, not just in our relationships but in our health, too. This day is all about creating a more compassionate, understanding world, an opportunity to connect the themes of kindness and health prevention. For…
Read More » - Lifestyle
Dusita Spa Koh Samui just won the 2024 World Luxury Awards across three categories
What comes to your mind when you think of a relaxing spa day in Koh Samui? Is it the peaceful touch of traditional Thai therapies, the luxurious atmosphere right by the beach, or the calming scent of essential oils filling the air? Dusita Spa Koh Samui delivers each of these elements so well that they took home three top honours…
Read More » - Thailand News
No time to lose: Mexican tourist returns pricey watch after Bangkok airport mix-up
A Mexican woman on holiday with her family in Phuket agreed to return a luxury watch worth about 200,000 baht to a Thai woman, stating that she thought it belonged to a family member and mistakenly took it from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. A 21 year old Thai woman, Rachawalee, filed a complaint with Don Mueang Police Station…
Read More » - Lifestyle
Central Department Store Group and The 1 Launches The 1 EXPAT
Central Department Store Group, under Central Retail, has partnered with The 1—Thailand’s largest digital lifestyle and loyalty platform with over 21 million members—to launch The 1 EXPAT, a membership programme that redefines the shopping experience for expatriates in Thailand. Integrated within The 1 application, The 1 EXPAT is designed to provide expats with not only tailored shopping privileges but also…
Read More » - Thailand News
Motorcyle thief busted by Bang Lamung’s brave teen vigilantes
In a remarkable display of community spirit and quick thinking, a group of local teens turned heroes yesterday as they apprehended a suspected motorcycle thief in the bustling streets of Bang Lamung. The drama unfolded at 2pm, yesterday, November 10, right in front of a mobile phone repair shop near Wat Boon Samphan, drawing quite a crowd. When Nong Prue…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels
Bangkok faced a spike in PM2.5 pollution levels, with 35 areas registering unhealthy air quality, prompting swift action from City Hall. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued warnings to help residents mitigate health impacts from the pollutants. PM2.5, or ultra-fine dust particles, exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in several areas, according to AirBKK, BMA’s…
Read More » - Thailand News
4 foreigners rob Ukrainian man of 250,000 USDT in Phuket hotel
Four foreign suspects robbed a Ukrainian man of 250,000 USDT, approximately 8.5 million baht, at a hotel in the Kamala neighbourhood of Phuket on Friday evening. The 23 year old victim, Viacheslav Leibove, filed a complaint with Kamala Police Station on Saturday, November 9, reporting that he was robbed by four foreigners the previous night, November 8. The incident occurred…
Read More » - Crime News
Police drug bust seizes 56kg of heroin in Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom was the scene of a blockbuster drug bust yesterday as police and local security forces joined forces to take down major drug lords, confiscating a monumental 56 kilogrammes of heroin and a mind-boggling 121,000 methamphetamine pills in the Thao Uthen district. This daring operation was set in motion after an explosive tip-off about a narcotics shipment sneaking across…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Airport sees surge with over 30,000 passengers daily
Phuket International Airport is experiencing a significant upswing in passenger traffic this High Season, with daily figures surpassing 30,000 travellers and over 300 flights. This uptick in activity has prompted plans for an expansion of the international terminal to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually. Monchai Tanod, the director of Phuket Airport, shared insights on the anticipated passenger numbers…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Brits and pieces: Pattaya calm shattered by heated road rage clash
The tranquillity of Pattaya’s sun-kissed streets was shattered yesterday by a shocking road rage meltdown involving a British man and a Thai local. Chaos unfolded outside the LK Metro Hotel on Soi Buakhao as emergency services rushed to the scene in response to a violent altercation between a British man and a Thai driver. James Edward, a British national, was…
Read More » - Thailand News
Toxic warehouse: Cops uncover illegal operation in Chachoengsao
Police in Chachoengsao uncovered a shocking illegal operation housing hazardous chemicals within a warehouse complex in the Plang Yao district. A massive investigation launched yesterday, November 10, revealed that nine out of ten warehouses were being used for illicit factory activities, with the primary focus being the illegal recycling of hazardous materials. The probe, carried out in partnership with the…
Read More » - Business News
Thai PM Paetongtarn’s APEC visit strengthens Thailand-Peru ties
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s participation in the 31st Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, is anticipated to bolster bilateral ties between Thailand and Peru while contributing to the advancement of the APEC framework. This prediction comes from Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazan, Peru’s ambassador to Thailand. This trip marks PM Paetongtarn’s inaugural visit to the Latin American continent…
Read More » - Politics News
Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
Read More » - Thailand News
Overnight phone charging sparks fire in Samut Prakan building
A mobile phone charging overnight caused a fire in Samut Prakan, leaving a father and his two sons injured due to smoke inhalation. The blaze erupted in their three-storey commercial building, prompting an urgent response from local fire services. The incident occurred today when the Samrong Nuea Police Station received a report of a fire in a commercial building within…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand implements 8.36 billion baht plan to stabilise rice prices
The National Rice Policy and Management Committee has introduced three strategic measures to stabilise rice prices amidst concerns of potential oversupply during the harvest season. By maintaining a balance between demand and supply, these initiatives aim to prevent a price drop in this year’s rice crop. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the first measure entails an 8.36 billion baht…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant
Police raided a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, disguised as a legitimate eatery, and arrested four Chinese nationals for illegal gambling. The raid, which took place yesterday, November 9, at 9.30pm, was led by Jesada Yangnok, alongside deputy officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. This followed intelligence that the establishment was operating as a covert gambling den. Upon…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok police nab suspects in tourist robbery with steak knife
Bangkok police recently apprehended two young men accused of robbing a Chinese tourist with a steak knife in the bustling Bang Rak district. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the suspects facing serious charges. Jetsada, a 22 year old man, and 23 year old Suradet were arrested by Bang Rak police on…
Read More » - Crime News
Tattoo artist arrested for ketamine dealing in Bang Lamung
In an evening operation on November 8, Bang Lamung police arrested a young tattoo artist suspected of drug dealing. The arrest took place at a tattoo shop in the Bang Lamung district around 6pm, following a tip-off about a planned ketamine delivery intended for Pattaya’s nightlife scene. Police had set up surveillance around the shop and observed a man fitting…
Read More » - Phuket News
British nationals charged for reckless motorbike riding
Nine British tourists have been fined for reckless driving after locals reported their disruptive behaviour to the police. The Chalong Police received a complaint via the 191 police hotline at 1.04am on November 7, reporting a group of foreigners riding motorbikes dangerously on Khok San Road towards Saiyuan Road. Witnesses described the group revving their engines loudly and driving in…
Read More » - Crime News
Koh Si Chang police uncover illegal immigration operation
Koh Si Chang police, in collaboration with various agencies, discovered a significant case of illegal immigration while patrolling the waters off Koh Si Chang in Chon Buri on November 8. A cargo vessel was found transferring a group of workers to a smaller boat. Upon further inspection, police identified that none of the 72 workers had the necessary immigration documents…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Chinese tourist rescued from banyan tree after Pattaya argument
A Chinese tourist found himself in a precarious situation on November 8 in Pattaya, capturing attention as he perched atop a large banyan tree in a state of distress. The incident unfolded at a parking lot in the Bang Lamung district, prompting an emergency response from Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre at 10pm. Responders, including rescue volunteers, disaster prevention officers,…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival
Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid flying lanterns or balloons, setting off fireworks, or using lasers in the vicinity of the airport on November 15 during the Loy Krathong festival. These activities are not only a potential disruption to flight operations but also pose significant threats to aviation safety, potentially resulting in accidents,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand reaffirms sovereignty over Koh Kut amid MoU dispute
The Thai government reinforced its stance that a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia serves as a mechanism to safeguard Thailand’s interests. Officials insist that Thailand retains sole sovereignty over Koh Kut, located in Trat province. This statement comes amidst concerns that the agreement, signed during Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure as prime minister, could potentially affect Thailand’s sovereignty over the…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism
Thailand is gearing up for an economic boost as the government commits to bringing a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the ambitious plan yesterday, November 9, emphasising its potential to invigorate tourism and stimulate urban development. The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a…
Read More » - Crime News
Thailand mayor’s murder linked to notorious assault rifle
A shocking murder unfolded in Narathiwat, Thailand, where a military rifle with a notorious history has been linked to the assassination of a prominent local figure. The rifle, which has been implicated in over 20 criminal cases across the southern region, has raised numerous questions about ongoing security concerns in the area. Wichet Thaithongnum, the mayor of Tambon Rueso municipality,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand set to welcome two new pandas from China by 2027
Thailand is poised to welcome two new pandas from China, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment anticipates signing a transfer agreement next year. Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat announced the ministry’s ongoing progress, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in negotiations with Chinese officials. The discussions with China aim to ensure the pandas have suitable habitats and exhibition…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
Read More » - Thailand News
ERC mulls 31% electricity tariff hike despite lower fuel costs
Businesses and households are facing a significant decision regarding the future of their electricity costs as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) considers changes to the power tariff. Despite a projected decrease in fuel costs, the ERC is evaluating whether to maintain the current rate or implement an increase of 26 to 31% early next year. The existing tariff, set at…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Cat chaos: Jomtien official abused in late-night clash
In a bizarre midnight showdown by Jomtien Beach, a city official found himself at the centre of a street-side skirmish over none other than a cat’s chair. Jomtien municipal officer Kritsana Rattanakhuen filed a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police on Thursday, November 7, after an encounter that escalated from polite request to heated confrontation. The drama unfolded around midnight…
Read More » - Thailand News
THAI union fights to keep government out of airline’s rehab plan
Thai Airways International (THAI) staff are up in arms, rallying against what they see as an attempt by the government to seize control of the airline under the guise of a rehabilitation plan amendment. The airline’s labour union staged a peaceful but determined protest outside THAI headquarters yesterday, November 8, holding up placards and calling on creditors to reject the…
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