Year: 2024

  • Thailand NewsThailand boosts benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days

    Thailand boosts benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days

    The Ministry of Labour announced significant improvements to benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members, which will kick off next year. These enhancements include an increased allowance during maternity leave and extended periods for receiving various social security benefits. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed new guidelines for managing the SSF, including a legal amendment under the Social Security Act aimed…

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  • Pattaya NewsElderly American expat assaulted in Pattaya, suspect at large

    Elderly American expat assaulted in Pattaya, suspect at large

    Pattaya City Police responded to an assault on an American expat last night near the Youth Sports Stadium on Soi Wat Boonkanchanaram. Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon to address the situation at around 10.06pm yesterday, September 4. Reporters were also present at the scene. Officers found Rad…

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  • Chiang Mai NewsMan kills estranged wife, himself in tragic Chiang Mai shooting

    Man kills estranged wife, himself in tragic Chiang Mai shooting

    A tragic incident unfolded in the Doi Saket district of Chiang Mai yesterday when a 46 year old man shot and killed his estranged wife before taking his own life in front of a convenience store. Chanyut fatally shot his wife, 43 year old Charunee, and then turned the gun on himself. Police from the Doi Saket Police Station have…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand government includes cash options in 10,000-baht handout

    Thailand government includes cash options in 10,000-baht handout

    The Thailand government’s 10,000-baht handout programme is set for adjustments, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledging the need to include cash distributions for some recipients instead of digital money. Numerous petitions against the government’s flagship policy contributed to this decision, Julapun said yesterday. Additionally, feedback from various sectors has prompted changes to improve the programme’s effectiveness. Initially, the policy…

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  • Phuket NewsEvidence found in Russian man’s death in Phuket suggests suicide

    Evidence found in Russian man’s death in Phuket suggests suicide

    Police reported yesterday that they have gathered multiple pieces of evidence and information from the wife of a Russian man, whose body was discovered on Karon Beach in Phuket, suggesting that he may have committed suicide. The body of the Russian man, Ilia Orlov, was discovered near Karon Beach in Phuket on Tuesday, September 3. The 27 year old had…

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  • CannabisTop 10 movies to enjoy with cannabis

    Top 10 movies to enjoy with cannabis

    What counts as a stoner movie, well anything from the trippy visuals, weird plot, and of course the cannabis theme surrounding the film. Whether it’s eating edibles or smoking a joint when you are high enough, every movie you watch is immersive and silly as well, as if you are the protagonist (main character) in the movie. However, picking the…

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  • Thailand NewsMan falls from tree into Wang River and dies in northern Thailand

    Man falls from tree into Wang River and dies in northern Thailand

    A man who climbed a tree to rest tragically fell into the Wang River and died. His body was discovered by a Good Samaritan who was relaxing at a riverside park. At 4.40pm yesterday, September 4, rescue workers from Sawang Nakhon Lampang retrieved the body of 45 year old Ek, a construction worker who had fallen into the Wang River…

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  • Thailand NewsAyutthaya residents warned of flash floods amid rising water levels

    Ayutthaya residents warned of flash floods amid rising water levels

    The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) alerted residents in parts of Ayutthaya to prepare for flash floods due to a continued surge in the Chao Phraya River. Monitoring is ongoing at two primary water stations, and the warning comes as water levels rise significantly. Residents near Khlong Phong Pheng in Ang Thong, as well as those living along the banks of…

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  • Road deathsMan dies in collision with cow on Thai road

    Man dies in collision with cow on Thai road

    A 54 year old man tragically died in a collision with a cow while riding his big bike. The accident occurred on the road connecting Nang Rong and Buriram on September 3. His grieving wife appealed for the cow’s owner to take responsibility. Nantachai, a resident of Village 13, Sakae Phrong subdistrict, Mueang district, Buriram province, was riding his big…

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  • Bangkok NewsThailand recovers first mpox clade Ib patient, no further cases

    Thailand recovers first mpox clade Ib patient, no further cases

    Thailand has successfully managed its first confirmed case of the mpox (formerly monkeypox) clade Ib variant, with the patient fully recovered, public health officials announced yesterday. The 66 year old European male arrived in Bangkok on August 14 after travelling from Africa. The following day, he was admitted to a hospital, where laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the clade…

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  • Thailand NewsJailhouse rock or just a comfy block? Police probe luxe prison stays

    Jailhouse rock or just a comfy block? Police probe luxe prison stays

    Provincial Police Region 7 launched an investigation into a hotel-style service provided to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon, following revelations from two former prisoners about their comfortable lives in jail. The 26 year old male inmate A, and the 30 year old female inmate B, from Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, reached out to…

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  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears

    Thailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued its seventh warning about Typhoon Yagi. Northern and northeastern Thailand are expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds, with potential flash floods and landslides. Coastal areas face high waves, urging caution for all residents. Today, September 5, the TMD announced Typhoon Yagi’s seventh warning (166/2024). At 4am, the typhoon was positioned over…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai vendor receives 54-year sentence for lese-majeste

    Chiang Rai vendor receives 54-year sentence for lese-majeste

    A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offences, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision yesterday, September 4, upheld Mongkol Thirakot’s earlier conviction, adding to his existing sentences to make it the longest ever under Section 112 of the Criminal Code,…

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  • Thailand NewsThai Red Cross slashes dengue fever jab prices

    Thai Red Cross slashes dengue fever jab prices

    The Thai Red Cross Society’s Immunisation and Travel Medicine Clinic is rolling out an unbeatable dengue fever vaccination campaign. For a limited time, the life-saving jab is available at a slashed price of just 1,600 baht per dose, with the full two-dose course set at a budget-friendly 3,200 baht. This special offer runs until October, giving ample time for people…

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  • Thailand NewsSwiss man walks free: Shocking gaps in prosecution exposed

    Swiss man walks free: Shocking gaps in prosecution exposed

    In a sensational courtroom drama that gripped Phuket, Swiss businessman Urs Fehr aka David has been acquitted of assault charges after the Phuket Provincial Court found glaring inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. The owner of an elephant park, David, was accused of kicking Thai doctor Thandao Chandam on Yamu Beach in Thalang district on the night of February 24, but…

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  • Aviation NewsRepairs underway for Cathay Pacific A350 faulty engines

    Repairs underway for Cathay Pacific A350 faulty engines

    Cathay Pacific Airways has been thrown into chaos after an in-flight engine failure on one of its Airbus A350 jets sparked urgent repairs across its fleet. The airline, which operates 48 of these aircraft, revealed that it had identified fuel line issues in 15 of its aircraft, leading to the cancellation of 45 return flights this week. The cancellations, mostly…

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  • Thailand NewsCambodian worker buried alive by Chon Buri landslide saved

    Cambodian worker buried alive by Chon Buri landslide saved

    A Cambodian worker was miraculously rescued after being buried alive by a landslide while fitting a drainage pipe. The terrifying ordeal unfolded this morning, September 4, in an alley on Soi Wat Boonsamphan, in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Rescuers from the Sawang Boribun Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene, where they battled against time and…

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  • Thailand NewsThai school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting teenage girl

    Thai school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting teenage girl

    A Thai mother accompanied her 13 year old daughter to file a complaint against a school bus driver who allegedly sexually assaulted her. The accused driver denies the accusation. The 41 year old mother, Ta, brought the sexual assault case to her lawyer, Kritsada Lohitdee, who took her to the Damrongdham Centre, under the Ministry of Interior, to file a…

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  • Thailand NewsEconomic challenge: Business tycoon Pichai to the rescue

    Economic challenge: Business tycoon Pichai to the rescue

    Pichai Naripthaphan, a businessman-turned-politician, is stepping into the hot seat as Thailand’s new Commerce Minister at a time when the nation’s economy teeters on the edge of disaster. With sky-high expectations from every corner, Pichai faces the daunting task of steering the country out of economic turbulence. Pichai takes over from Phumtham Wechayachai, who has moved to Defence Minister and…

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  • Thailand NewsBody found floating near Koh Loy in Sri Racha

    Body found floating near Koh Loy in Sri Racha

    A man’s body was discovered floating near Koh Loy in Sri Racha district yesterday. Sri Racha Police Station received a report of a body found face down near the shoreline. Officers, along with rescue workers from the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha Foundation, promptly went to the scene to investigate. Police discovered the body floating approximately 50 metres offshore, near an…

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  • Thailand NewsAussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand

    Aussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand

    Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel. This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. “The…

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  • World NewsFrench woman drugged and raped by 72 men over nine years

    French woman drugged and raped by 72 men over nine years

    A harrowing case of sexual assault has emerged in France, involving Giselle, a 72 year old woman, who was drugged and raped by 72 men on 92 occasions over nine years. Her husband, 71 year old Dominique, orchestrated the assaults. Giselle has bravely chosen to have the trial conducted publicly. The disturbing events took place between 2011 and 2020, with…

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  • Thailand NewsSCB predicts Bank of Thailand to lower rates by 0.25%

    SCB predicts Bank of Thailand to lower rates by 0.25%

    Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) anticipates the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will initiate a series of policy rate cuts starting later this year, potentially continuing into early next year. This move is expected to trigger a reduction in interest rates across the banking sector. SCB’s Chief Executive Kris Chantanotoke predicts the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will reduce the policy rate…

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  • Thailand NewsIndian man refuses to leave Thai wife despite divorce demand

    Indian man refuses to leave Thai wife despite divorce demand

    An Indian man in Samut Prakarn province, near Bangkok, is seeking justice after his Thai wife heartlessly demanded a divorce and expelled him from their home. He acknowledged that he was aware she had deceived him for money but he loved her enough to tolerate it. Chaos erupted at Mueang Samut Prakarn Police Station yesterday, September 3, due to a…

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  • Thailand NewsPattaya temple donates 40,000 baht to aid Phetchabun school

    Pattaya temple donates 40,000 baht to aid Phetchabun school

    The Chakravartin Temple, in association with local Pattaya entertainment business operators and sponsors, recently organised a heartwarming charity event for the students and teachers of Ban Khlong Takhro School from Phetchabun province. Taking place at the Chakravartin Temple on Soi Kasetsin near Pratumnak Hill, the event was spearheaded by Amporn Kaewsaeng, the temple’s founder, and Rakphong Sutidechanai, a member of…

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  • Things To DoInteresting festivals to experience in Thailand

    Interesting festivals to experience in Thailand

    Thailand’s calendar is full of exhilarating festivals. From floating lanterns and elaborate candle sculptures to massive water fights and monkey banquets, each month offers a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with friends, family, and loved ones. Attending these festivals is always a pleasant and memorable experience. Besides, it’s a great way to gain insights into the country’s rich culture and tradition.…

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  • Thailand NewsBlocking bad clicks: DES ramps up crackdown on shady sites

    Blocking bad clicks: DES ramps up crackdown on shady sites

    The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) has significantly ramped up efforts to curb access to illicit online content, blocking 138,660 attempts to access unlawful social media pages and website URLs over the past 11 months. This marks an 11-fold increase compared to the same period last year. The DES, led by Prasert Jantararuangtong, has concentrated on fighting cybercrime by…

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  • Thailand NewsRomantic comedy ‘Love You to Debt’ tops Netflix Thailand charts (video)

    Romantic comedy ‘Love You to Debt’ tops Netflix Thailand charts (video)

    Love You to Debt, the top movie on Netflix in Thailand as of today, is a Thai romance-action film entirely set and filmed in Pattaya. Premiering in cinemas in April, the film has recently become available for streaming on Netflix. The story centres on Bo, an illegal loan shark and debt collector working for his formidable mother. His life takes…

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  • Thailand NewsThai man loses millions to masseuse in love scam (video)

    Thai man loses millions to masseuse in love scam (video)

    A Thai man’s pursuit of love with a masseuse led to a courtroom showdown after she allegedly drained nearly 2 million baht from his account using a mobile banking app. The 47 year old victim, named Wittawat, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after losing 2 million baht to the masseuse identified as Ray. He was worried that she…

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  • Chiang Mai TravelThings to know before going to Chiang Mai

    Things to know before going to Chiang Mai

    Are you planning a trip to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai? Known for its rich history, stunning temples, and vibrant night markets, Chiang Mai is a place you definitely want to visit. But like any trip, it’s good to be prepared. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or visiting for the first time, there are a few things to know…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s life-saving tech boost to guard against natural disasters

    Thailand’s life-saving tech boost to guard against natural disasters

    Thailand is gearing up to supercharge its natural disaster warning system with a sweeping expansion of automated monitoring stations. In a bold move to protect lives and property, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday, September 3, by the Friends in Need Volunteers Foundation and various national agencies, marking the launch of the second phase of a nationwide project.…

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  • Phuket NewsVilla thrill-a: Russian buyers drive Phuket’s 2024 villa surge

    Villa thrill-a: Russian buyers drive Phuket’s 2024 villa surge

    Phuket’s villa market has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of 2024, surpassing the total launches for the entirety of 2023. For the first time in 15 years, the value of new villas has exceeded that of condominiums, driven primarily by robust demand from Russian buyers. Phattarachai Taweewong, director of the research department at property consultancy Colliers Thailand,…

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  • Thailand NewsThai wheelchair fencing queen’s stunning comeback victory

    Thai wheelchair fencing queen’s stunning comeback victory

    In a thrilling showdown at the Paralympic Games in Paris, Thai wheelchair fencing queen Saysunee Jana clinched her fourth gold medal in a nail-biting women’s sabre category B final yesterday. The 50 year old wheelchair fencing legend defied the odds, defeating China’s Xiao Rong, the world’s No.3, with a razor-thin 15-14 victory. Saysunee, ranked No. 4 globally, faced a daunting…

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  • Business NewsTurbulence ahead: Thai pilots unhappy over foreign job wet lease plan

    Turbulence ahead: Thai pilots unhappy over foreign job wet lease plan

    The Thai Pilots Association expressed significant concerns regarding the potential liberalisation of pilot jobs for foreigners through wet lease agreements for domestic routes. This move, they argue, could risk another red flag from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Several stakeholders, including the Department of Employment, the association, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, and an airline that requested the…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok: American teacher arrested for assaulting student

    Bangkok: American teacher arrested for assaulting student

    An American language teacher in Bangkok has been arrested on serious charges involving the alleged abuse of a 14 year old student. The American, 41 year old Robert Leroy Keller, was apprehended yesterday, September 3 by officers from Phetkasem Police Station, following a distressing report from the girl’s mother. The incident began on February 16, when the girl’s mother sent…

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  • Thailand NewsBrew-tal concoction: Thai woman dies after sipping toxic coffee mix

    Brew-tal concoction: Thai woman dies after sipping toxic coffee mix

    A Thai woman died, and her husband is in a serious condition, allegedly after drinking coffee mixed with sappan wood, which is believed to have health benefits. A doctor discovered an unidentified toxic substance in their bodies. The 21 year old man, Worrawit Chaisirin, revealed to Thai Rath that his mother, 49 year old Naree Chaisirin, died on Sunday, September 1,…

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  • Business NewsTemu’s impact on Thailand’s e-commerce market remains uncertain

    Temu’s impact on Thailand’s e-commerce market remains uncertain

    Chinese e-commerce giant Temu‘s potential to impact the e-commerce market in Thailand and the region remains uncertain, according to market analytics firm Cube Asia. Sellers may need to brace for another price war if Temu sustains strong incentives and a low-price strategy, similar to the shifts seen with Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop focusing on profitability. Simon Torring, co-founder of…

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