Bright Choomanee
- Thailand News
AoT seeks extension in 11.8 million baht corruption case
Airports of Thailand (AoT) has sought additional time to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding allegations of corruption involving an 11.8 million baht (US$362,500) contract at Phuket International Airport. The contract, intended for posting stickers commemorating His Majesty The King, is under scrutiny for possible irregularities. The NACC’s Phuket office is examining budget allocation, median price determination,…
- Crime News
Mother seeks justice after teen daughter attacked in Phuket
A mother has taken action after her 13 year old daughter was lured from their home and violently attacked by seven individuals in Phuket. The 40 year old mother, reported the incident to Wichit Police, detailing that it took place around 4.30pm on September 29. According to her, the daughter, Kai, was deceived by two acquaintances, identified as Fa and…
- Bangkok News
Raid & seek: Bangkok cops bust contraband in Chinese minimarts
Police in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district recently conducted a significant raid on 10 Chinese-owned minimarts, following complaints from local businesses about the influx of contraband foreign goods. Health and anti-money laundering officials, along with local police, spearheaded the operation. The Network for Thai Entrepreneur Protection had earlier lodged a complaint asserting that these convenience stores were selling smuggled consumer goods.…
- South Thailand News
Thailand to withdraw military from southern provinces by 2027
Thailand plans to withdraw military forces from the nation’s southernmost provinces by 2027, with a focus on bolstering volunteer forces in the region. The Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly train these volunteer forces. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao were present at the ceremony.…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet levels flood compensation at 9,000 baht
The Thai Cabinet has revised flood victim compensation to a uniform rate of 9,000 baht per household, replacing the previous variable range of 5,000 to 9,000 baht. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting, citing the severity of the flood situation as the reason for the new compensation structure. “The government decided that all affected households…
- Thailand News
Thailand to increase minimum wage to 400 baht by year-end
Thailand’s Labour Ministry has assured the public that a minimum wage increase to 400 baht will be implemented nationwide by the end of the year, as stated by Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister. The tripartite wage committee is currently awaiting the official appointment of two new members: the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and the Director-General of the…
- Road deaths
Rocky start: Sand spill wreaks havoc at Ratchada-Tha Phra intersection
An 18-wheel truck overturned, spilling over 20 tonnes of sand and blocking traffic at the Ratchada-Tha Phra intersection. Police are clearing the site after the incident occurred early this morning. At approximately 2.50am today, October 2, Attakarn Jampanya, Deputy Inspector of Traffic at Bukkhalo Police Station, received a report about an overturned 18-wheel truck at the Ratchada-Tha Phra intersection in…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Raining on Bangkok’s parade: An 80% chance of downpour
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather across Thailand, predicting heavy rains in 80% of Bangkok and surrounding areas, with a high risk of flash floods and landslides. The TMD forecasts that the upper regions of Thailand will experience unstable weather conditions over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain are expected…
- Thailand News
Slithering surprise: Python pops into Pattaya mall, sparking chaos
A bustling Pattaya City mall turned into a scene of chaos when a nearly 3-metre long python made an unexpected appearance. The incident, which occurred yesterday, September 30, at 4pm, saw the Pattaya Land Disaster Prevention Radio Centre receiving a report of a large snake spotted under a car in the mall’s parking lot on Pattaya Klang Road. Upon arrival,…
- Crime News
Disabled man in Udon Thani loses 10,000 baht to suspected scam
A disabled man from Udon Thani was reportedly scammed out of 10,000 baht from his account, leaving only 5 baht. Allegations suggest a local woman might have withdrawn the money under false pretences. Somdee Plangsi, a 63 year old resident of Ban Na Mueang Thai in Na Som, Udon Thani, along with his family members, complained to Peerayut Utchin, Deputy…
- Business News
Thai baht surge hits exporters and tourism revenues
Thailand’s exporters and tourism sector are feeling the squeeze as a rapid appreciation of the Thai baht continues to impact revenue. The central bank attributed this surge to a weak US dollar and stronger regional currencies, such as the Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen. Yesterday, September 30, the baht reached a 31-month peak at 32.235 against the US dollar, marking…
- Business News
Thailand’s household debt dips to 89.6% of GDP in Q2
Thailand’s household debt saw a slight decline in the second quarter as banks tightened lending practices to mitigate bad loans, and borrowers hastened debt repayments amidst the highest interest rates in a decade. Data released by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) yesterday, September 30, revealed that nationwide household debt, as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), stood at 89.6%…
- Crime News
Thai police arrest two for defrauding women of 189,700 baht
Thai police apprehended two suspects in Nakhon Pathom for allegedly defrauding two women out of 189,700 baht under the pretence of providing business investment funds. The suspects, identified as 44 year old Tum Kaewmaneechot, and 27 year old Sarin, were detained by the Crime Suppression Division. Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewsuebthanyanit from Khon Kaen Police Station disclosed that the arrests followed…
- Thailand News
Baby jackpot! Pregnant woman’s home birth sparks lottery frenzy
A pregnant woman gave birth to a healthy baby boy in her rented room, prompting neighbours to seek lucky lottery numbers from the event. The birth took place at room number 51 in the Don Hua Lo subdistrict, Mueang District, Chon Buri province. Rescue workers from Thammaratanee Maneerut Foundation received an alert about the emergency and coordinated with Chon Buri…
- Thailand News
Man found dead after falling from bridge in Chumphon
A 34 year old man was found dead after falling from Municipal Bridge 4 into Logotan Canal in Chumphon. His body was discovered yesterday, September 30, alongside his motorcycle, with documents and personal items left at the scene. Police Lieutenant Supawat Chueasak, an investigator from Mueang Chumphon Police Station, received a report about the incident. The unfortunate event took place…
- Thailand News
Terminally ill patient in Sisaket denied aid over signature issue
A terminally ill liver cancer patient in Sisaket province is unable to withdraw government aid due to a signature mismatch on an authorisation form, despite desperate pleas from his family. Yesterday, September 30, reporters received a tip-off from residents in Ban Phianam, Nong Phai subdistrict, Mueang district. They reported that a terminal liver cancer patient, entitled to receive 10,000 baht…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Batten down the hatches! Thailand braces for savage storms
Thailand is on high alert as the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounds the alarm for severe weather ahead. Expect torrential downpours, raging thunderstorms, and fierce winds to lash various regions, including the bustling capital, Bangkok. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for potential flash floods and landslides. The TMD has forecasted that the upper part of Thailand will…
- Crime News
Thai police seize assets in high-profile public fraud investigation
Thai police traced a luxury car linked to the case of Kornkaknok Suwanbutr, known as Mae Tuk, confirming it remains within the country. Police also seized gold from her residence and are preparing to report the case to the Anti-Money Laundering Office to investigate the financial trail and assets involved. Police recently searched the home of Mae Tuk and Kanpon…
- Thailand News
Sweet tragedy: Woman chokes on Thai dessert
A tragic incident occurred when a woman choked on a traditional Thai dessert and died in front of a neighbour’s house. Medical professionals suspect the cause was a blockage in her airway. Yesterday, September 26, Natthawut Chantarasamut, an investigator from Ron Phibun Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, received a report of a death in front of a house…
- Thailand News
11 provinces warned of rising Chao Phraya River levels
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has alerted 11 central provinces along the Chao Phraya River to brace for rising water levels as the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat increases its water drainage rate. RID acting Director-General Det Lekwichai issued the warning yesterday, September 26, to the governors of Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya,…
- Tourism News
Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%
Flooding in northern Thailand has severely impacted tourism in Chiang Mai, with many visitors cancelling their plans, according to the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai. The Ping River recently reached its highest levels since 2011, causing significant flooding in Mueang Chiang Mai, including its key business and tourism districts. Outer districts, such as Mae Rim, known for its natural parks…
- Business News
Thailand to introduce carbon tax to curb emissions this year
Thailand is set to implement a carbon tax this year, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced at the Road to Net Zero 2024: The Extraordinary Green event. The Finance Ministry plans to propose the carbon tax measure to the Cabinet for approval soon, with the goal of rolling it out in the coming months. Paopoom explained that this measure aims to…
- Business News
Thailand’s manufacturing index set to drop 1% due to floods
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is projected to decline by 1% this year, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The contraction is attributed to various economic issues and the severe flooding experienced in recent months. OIE Director-General Warawan Chitaroon indicated that the best possible outcome for MPI growth is to remain flat. The office had previously adjusted its…
- Crime News
Two women arrested with 120,920 meth pills from Laos in Loei
Two women were arrested after being caught with 120,920 methamphetamine pills in their vehicle. They confessed to having received the drugs from Laos and have been charged with possession of a Category 1 controlled substance. Today, September 27, in an operation aimed at tackling drug trafficking along the border, Yuttana Chokchai, Deputy Commander of the Loei Provincial Police, along with…
- Crime News
Thai officials seize 1.6 million meth pills near Phamee border
Thai police recently arrested six hill tribe individuals for transporting 1.6 million methamphetamine pills along the Phamee border. This crackdown followed the restoration of roads previously disrupted by a landslide earlier in the month. Yesterday, September 26, Major General Praphat Pobsuwan, commander of the Phamueang Task Force, assigned Colonel Maitri Srisantia, the task force’s chief of staff, and Colonel Natee…
- Crime News
Clinic con: Unlicensed medics in Chon Buri busted with fake docs
Police raided a prominent clinic in Bang Sare, Chon Buri, arresting three individuals for operating without a license and using a fake medical certificate. The suspects have confessed to various charges. Yesterday, September 26, police and public health officials conducted a raid at 5.30pm at a medical clinic in Bang Sare, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Reports had been received…
- Road deaths
Bus accident kills two bank employees at Prachanukul Intersection
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) expressed deep regret over a tragic accident where a bus ran over two bank employees, resulting in their deaths at the Prachanukul Intersection. The BMTA has pledged compensation to the victims’ families and will host the funeral ceremony tomorrow. The incident occurred yesterday, September 26, at 8.25am when an air-conditioned bus on route 49 (2-43),…
- Thailand News
Elderly man drowns while crossing broken bridge in Udon Thani
Two elderly men attempting to cross a broken bridge to reach their rice fields faced a tragic incident when they fell into the fast-flowing stream, resulting in one drowning while the other managed to survive. Yesterday, September 26, local news from Udon Thani reported that the head of the Udon Thani Highway Police Rescue Centre, Witaya Phanla, received an urgent…
- Thailand News
400-baht minimum wage confirmed for October 1 despite delay
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that the 400-baht daily minimum wage will take effect on October 1 as planned, despite the national wage committee’s failure to endorse it yet. Opposition People’s Party MP Sia Champhathong questioned the minister in the House yesterday, asking if the adjournments of two recent committee meetings were a governmental tactic to avoid addressing the issue.…
- Crime News
Roadside bomb injures eight soldiers in Narathiwat
Eight soldiers sustained injuries in a roadside explosion in Rangae district, Narathiwat, believed to be orchestrated by insurgents. The incident took place when an improvised bomb, tied to a power pole along a local road in Ban Hulu Pare, tambon Tanyongmat, was detonated as a military pickup truck carrying the soldiers drove past. The blast’s impact toppled the power pole…
