- Hot News
California man accused of shooting seven farmworkers admits guilt, blames mental illness
The man accused of shooting seven of his fellow farmworkers in California blamed his mental illness after confessing to the crime. Zhao Chunli says he endured years of bullying and overwork and says his complaints were never addressed. According to The Straits Times, NBC News visited the man and spoke to Zhao in Mandarin. An NBC reporter told what Zhao had…
- Northern Thailand News
Chiang Rai activist sentenced to 28 years for royal defamation
A Chiang Rai activist will now spend the next 28 years behind bars after being charged with royal defamation. Mongkol Tirakote, an activist and online clothing vendor was charged with two separate royal defamation cases after posting defamatory comments online. According to The Hindu, the kingdom’s lese-majeste laws are among the harshest in the world with rights groups saying they…
- Thai Life
Why so many Thais have Chinese ancestry
With the Chinese New Year wrapping up, those who venture out onto Thailand’s streets will see just how much the country’s history has been shaped by China. Modern-day Thai people are thought to have emigrated from China over 1,000 years ago. The Tai ethnicity originally consisted of those who spoke a common Tai language. Those same people migrated from China…
- Hot News
Singapore to examine Nepal plane crash flight recorders
Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau flight recorder readout facility is performing the data retrieval of the black box in the Nepal plane that recently crashed. According to Channel News Asia, the data retrieval from the black boxes of Yeti Airlines flight 691 will help Nepalese authorities in their investigation of what caused the plane to go down. The crash on…
- Environment News
Bangkok and six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend
Bangkok and six northern provinces in Thailand are expected to see air quality worsen over the weekend, according to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD). The PCD reported yesterday that air quality across the country ranged from very good down to a health-threatening level at 11 am. The amount of PM2.5 dust particles in the atmosphere also exceeded the standard level…
- Hot News
Thailand beats foreign arrivals goal for 2022
Thailand has reportedly beaten its goal for foreign arrivals in 2022 after seeing a total of 11.15 million tourists enter the country last year. Initially, the kingdom had set a goal for 10 million tourists to arrive in 2022. But, as the world opened up after the Covid-19 pandemic, the country saw a significant jump in arrivals compared to 2021’s…
- China News
China reports 70% drop in severe Covid cases and fatalities
China’s government says the number of severe Covid-19 cases and coronavirus-related deaths has dropped by over 70% since peaking earlier this month. More specifically, the government says critically ill cases have dropped by 72%, while covid-related fatalities have dropped by 79% from their respective peaks. According to Reuters, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the figures on…
- Hot News
Bangkok, Songkhla, Chon Buri provinces to host 2025 Southeast Asian Games
Bangkok, Songkhla, and Chon Buri provinces are the new hosts of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. The Sports Authority of Thailand decided at a meeting that was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday. During the meeting, Nakhon Ratchasima was also chosen to host the 13th ASEAN Para Games in 2026. A budget allocation from the National Sports…
- Hot News
Thailand promotes tourism with subsidies, vouchers nationwide
Thailand is promoting tourism by offering rate subsidies on hotels and food vouchers at participating businesses nationwide. According to Bangkok Post, the Thai Cabinet approved a budget of 3.95 billion baht to stimulate tourism, which includes 2.02 billion baht set aside for food-tour vouchers and room discounts of up to 40%. Under the government’s “We Travel Together” campaign, 560 hotel…
- Transport News
10,000 Bangkok taxis have adjusted meters to match recent rate hikes
Almost 10,000 Bangkok taxis have reportedly adjusted their meters to match recent rate hikes. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) made the announcement, saying that since Monday, January 16, taxis have been visiting the Krung Thep Aphiewat Central Terminal to have their metres adjusted. The taxi’s base fares have risen from 35 to 40 baht with drivers being required to…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves electricity bill discounts over next four months
The Thai Cabinet has approved electricity bill discounts over the next four months for more than 19 million households. According to the Bangkok Post, the discounts will span from the remainder of this month (January) to April, 2023. Deputy Secretary-General to the prime minister, Anucha Burapahaisri, says the discounts have been approved to help with the high power tariff. Households…
- Tourism News
Aussie visitors to Phuket reach almost 90% of pre-Covid level
The number of Australians visiting Phuket has reached almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels, according to Australian Consul-General to Phuket, Matthew Barclay. The news comes as Barclay met with Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew at Provincial Hall. Barclay told the Phuket News… “It’s clear that 2023 will be a significant year for Phuket. The meeting was a great opportunity to discuss the…
- Hot News
Pattaya bar owner allegedly punches Russian tourist in face over 60 baht bill
A Pattaya bar owner allegedly punched a Russian tourist in the face over his refusal to pay his 60 baht bill. Jane, the 53 year old owner of the Bonzi Bar in South Pattaya, apparently didn’t back down from admitting she was the one who punched the tourist. The Russian was identified only as “Michel,” and was reportedly on the…
- Business News
Custodied cryptocurrencies to see new regulations in Thailand
Custodied cryptocurrencies will see new regulations in Thailand. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand issued new measures which require companies offering crypto custody services to “establish a digital wallet management system to accommodate efficient custody of digital assets and keys and ensure the safety of clients’ assets.” The new regulations went into effect on January 16th. The new measures…
- Hot News
Super Mario theme park to open in California ahead of new film
Super Mario is getting its first theme park outside of Japan by way of the US state of California. The Nintendo-themed park is set to open next month just weeks before the old-school characters grace the Hollywood big screen. According to Japan Today, Super Nintendo World will be part of Universal Studios Hollywood- an amusement park that has seen the likes…
- China News
Millions of Chinese head home to countryside despite Xi’s Covid worries
Millions of Chinese residents are headed back home for the Chinese New Year despite President Xi Jinping’s worries about Covid spreading through rural areas. Xi said he was “concerned” about the countryside’s ability to handle a surge in Covid infections, but China’s transport authorities are predicting more than two billion trips will be made this month and into next month.…
- Hot News
US police officer asks appeals court to overturn George Floyd murder conviction
The US police officer who was convicted of murdering unarmed black man George Floyd has asked the court to overturn his murder conviction. Derek Charuvin argued to the appeals court that the extreme media attention and potential for riots had deprived him of a “fair” trial. According to NDTV.com, the 46 year old was convicted of murder in Minnesota back…
- Hot News
Ukraine helicopter crash kills Interior Minister, at least 18 others
A Ukraine helicopter crash reportedly killed Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky and at least 18 others. The crash occurred near a kindergarten in the town of Brovary, just northeast of the capital of Kyiv yesterday. Yehvheniy Yenin, Monastyrsky’s deputy, along with a state secretary, was also killed in the crash. According to the Interior Ministry, three children were killed among the tally…
- World News
Vietnam’s National Assembly approves President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s resignation
Vietnam’s National Assembly is giving the green light for President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s resignation. The approval came late yesterday after Phuc stepped down as part of an anti-corruption clean-up. According to Bangkok Post, an extraordinary meeting saw 93% of National Assembly members voting to approve Phuc’s resignation. His abrupt departure comes as the country is experiencing significant political upheaval as…
- Hot News
Bank of Thailand warns of elevated financial cybercrime risk
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is warning consumers and banks of an elevated financial cybercrime risk. The warning comes after a man claimed that he had lost 101,560 baht from his bank account after using a public charging outlet. The BoT denied the claim after conducting an investigation and said it believes the theft occurred because the man was a…
- China News
Beijing doctor says hospital discourages writing Covid-19 on death certificates
An unnamed Beijing doctor says he and others are being discouraged from writing Covid-19 on death certificates. According to Reuters, the doctor says he saw a printed notice in the emergency department that said “try not to” write Covid-induced respiratory failure on patients’ death certificates. Instead, he says he was told to name any underlying diseases that the patients had…
- Hot News
US actor George Clooney’s foundation stands up for Thai protesters
US actor George Clooney’s foundation is standing up for Thai protesters through its TrialWatch initiative. The initiative is part of the Clooney Foundation for Justice and has been monitoring and evaluating the criminal proceedings against the protest leaders since 2020. TrialWatch urged Thailand to adhere to its international human rights obligations in an amicus brief submitted on Monday to the…
- World News
Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc submits resignation over corruption accusations
Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc submitted his resignation after being found guilty of committing violations and wrongdoing against officials under him. The Vietnam News Agency reported the resignation, citing the party’s Central Committee. “Fully being aware of his responsibilities before the party and people, he submitted an application to resign from his assigned positions, quit his job and retire.” The 68 year…
- Hot News
Tourism Authority of Thailand uses momentum of last year’s campaign to strengthen 2023 travel direction
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is using momentum from last year’s ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ campaign to direct this year toward a “meaningful travel direction.” According to The Pattaya News, the press release by the TAT details new concepts and enhanced efforts to continue the milestone achievement of last year’s campaign. The ongoing “Visit Thailand Year: Amazing New Chapters” is…
- Hot News
Corruption investigation leaves some Thai immigration officials in hot water over helping Chinese businessmen
A corruption investigation has left some Thai immigration officials in hot water over their alleged involvement in helping Chinese businessmen. Senior Immigration Bureau investigators say they found clear evidence that some officers are helping foreign criminals by serving as owners of foundations that provided visas to Chinese nationals. According to Bangkok Post, one of the ‘foundations’ had its headquarters in…
- Covid-19 News
Thai government to give free Covid tests to symptomatic foreign tourists
The Thai government says it will provide free Covid-19 tests to symptomatic foreign visitors as well as offer a “reasonably priced” vaccine to foreign tourists. According to Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced his decision to cancel the re-introduction of all tourists needing to be fully vaxxed against the coronavirus. Anutin also stressed that health insurance is still required…
- Hot News
Thai police bust nine YouTube scammers that allegedly contributed to middle schooler’s suicide
Thai police busted nine YouTube scammers that allegedly contributed to a Nonthaburi middle schooler’s suicide. Police say they arrested two suspects yesterday, 38 year old Ratchanon Saijind, and 34 year old Chaiyawat Virasorn, after they were suspected of purchasing cryptocurrency using a now deceased middle schooler’s money. After police interrogated the two suspects, they said they learned the identities of…
- Things To Do
How to get around in Koh Samui
Getting around on the island of Koh Samui can be a bit different to other areas in Thailand. As the stunning island is full of idyllic beaches and nature, one of the most popular ways of touring the island is by motorbike. But, as Thailand’s roads are considered quite dangerous, it is perfectly fine to not want to get the…
- China News
China’s air travel regulator to allow airlines to fly more routes to US
China’s air travel regulator is gearing up to allow more routes to the United States after the country lifted its strict anti-virus travel restrictions this month. According to The Korea Times, China Central Television reported on its website that the US and Chinese airlines are among around 40 carriers that have submitted applications covering about 700 flights per week involving 34…
- China News
China defends its Covid death reporting rates while allegedly banning photos, videos of Tibetan cemeteries
China is defending itself against World Health Organisation (WHO) claims that its reported Covid-19 death rates are inaccurate. Chinese health officials say that it is ‘not necessary’ to dwell on the exact number of Covid-related deaths in the country. But, a news report by Radio Free Asia says that the government is allegedly banning photos and videos of cemeteries in Tibet.…
