Bright Choomanee
- Business News
Japan urged to boost Thai investments, focus on semiconductors
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan called on Japanese businesses to boost their investments in Thailand, particularly in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors. This appeal comes as the Thai government aims to recover from a significant drop in Japanese investments following the 2014 coup. Investment from Japan plummeted by up to 90% after the coup and has yet to return to previous…
- Thailand News
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS to dazzle the night sky next month
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is set to make its closest approach to Earth next month, visible to the naked eye, before its return in 80,660 years. Suphareuk Karuehanon, the manager of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), revealed that comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is currently a celestial body of significant interest. Discovered in early 2023 by astronomers from the Tsuchinshan…
- Business News
Thai gold prices poised to break past record amid global surge
Gold prices in Thailand are poised to break past the previous high of 42,150 baht per baht-weight (15.2 grams) as international gold prices hover near record levels, nearing US$2,700 per ounce, according to local traders. Yesterday, September 25, domestic gold prices rose by 200 baht, reaching 41,100 baht for gold bars, as the price of bullion increased by 0.3% to…
- Crime News
Drug-fuelled family clash in Phatthalung leads to police intervention
A drug-addicted son clashed with his mother over a broken motorcycle and locked his father in a chokehold, leading to police intervention in Phatthalung yesterday. He was not under the influence of drugs but was merely enraged. Thawatchai, a 24 year old man, residing in Village 11, Mae Khri subdistrict, Tamot district, Phatthalung province, had a heated argument with his mother…
- Aviation News
Flying foreign: Thai aviation industry in a tailspin over pilot proposal
The Thai aviation industry has been stirred by the proposal to allow foreign pilots to operate domestic routes, a move considered unusual as such roles are traditionally reserved for Thai nationals. Thai Vietjet’s request, though temporary, aimed to address an aircraft shortage during peak travel seasons, has met with significant resistance from the Thai Pilots Association. A global shortage of…
- Business News
Thai exports up 7% in August, hitting US$26.2 billion
Thai exports saw a significant rise in August, expanding by 7% to reach US$26.2 billion (940 billion baht), fuelled by a surge in demand for agricultural and food products. This growth was attributed to the increased purchasing power of trading partners, alongside support from global climate fluctuations and the recovery of the service sector in key markets, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn,…
- Thailand News
Lampang dams overflow, residents urged to evacuate valuables
Two major dams in Lampang, Thailand have burst their banks following relentless rainfall, leaving officials scrambling to warn residents in low-lying areas to move their belongings to higher ground immediately. The torrential downpour, which started yesterday, September 25, and continued fiercely through the night, has sent water levels skyrocketing, creating a dangerously precarious situation for those living nearby. Local government…
- Crime News
Thai police probe online gold seller over fraud allegations
Thai police revealed that an online gold seller is facing multiple charges following complaints from customers. They allege the gold sold was falsely advertised as 99.99% pure. Police are currently investigating to determine the full extent of the allegations. Police Major General Wichaya Sriprasertphas, head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), stated that the police are working in conjunction…
- Crime News
Lawyer urges probe into temple fund embezzlement scandal
A lawyer has called for an investigation into the Deputy Director of the National Office of Buddhism, questioning the handling of a temple fund embezzlement case involving the official’s ex-wife. The lawyer demands a probe into the asset seizure and the vetting process before the appointment. Lawyer Thammarat Sarapanya, representing the Chueamjit family, and Praphan Kittiruedeekul, Secretary-General of the Organisation…
- Thailand News
Fire at Bangkok condo leaves three with smoke inhalation
A fire broke out in a condominium in Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighters. Three individuals, including a pregnant woman, suffered from smoke inhalation. Yesterday, September 25, the Fire & Rescue Thailand Facebook page reported a fire at a condominium in the Bangkok Noi area of the city. The incident was notified to police at 8.29pm via the 199…
- Bangkok News
Car-nage in Bangkok: Thai woman’s gun-toting showdown
A chaotic incident unfolded on Sathon Nuea Road when a 28 year old woman crashed her car into eight vehicles and threatened a tuk tuk driver and tourists with a gun. She claimed to have lost control after being cut off in traffic, leading to her eventual arrest. Around 1am today, September 26, Phanom Chueathong, along with officers from Thung Mahamek…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Rain check: 43 Thailand provinces brace for a deluge of trouble
Weather forecasts predict heavy rain across 43 provinces tomorrow, raising concerns about flash floods and forest runoff, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas. The Thai Meteorological Department‘s (TMD) 24-hour forecast highlights the potential dangers. Heavy rains are expected due to the prevailing southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. An additional monsoon trough from the…
- Thailand News
Baht to the future: Finance Ministry and BoT tackle currency surge
The Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) are set to convene next week to address the strengthening baht and the nation’s inflation target amidst governmental pressure for interest rate reductions. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced plans to meet with BoT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput to discuss the baht’s appreciation and related economic concerns. Observers anticipate…
- Thailand News
Missing six year old found unharmed after 34-hour disappearance
A missing six year old boy was found in an unusual and perplexing manner, recalling a supernatural encounter similar to one his mother experienced as a child. This incident took place yesterday, September 24, when the boy, was discovered unharmed inside a fertiliser bag near a neighbour’s barn, just 30 metres from his grandmother’s home. M Roi disappeared at 8pm…
- Transport News
Charged up: Thailand greenlights 7.12 billion baht EV subsidy
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned the allocation of 7.12 billion baht (US$218 million) from the central reserve budget to support the electric vehicle (EV) subsidy program. This decision was announced following the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday, September 24. Jirayu Huangsab, an advisor to the prime minister, confirmed that the allocated budget will subsidise buyers of EVs and motorcycles who have already…
- Transport News
Thailand’s car industry slams the brakes: August downturn hits hard
Thailand’s automotive industry is hitting the skids, with car manufacturing, domestic sales, and exports all taking a nosedive in August, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, sounded the alarm, pointing to tough times in securing auto loans as a major roadblock for domestic sales. In August, total…
- Thailand News
Nonthaburi mourns loss of principal after tragic fall
A funeral ceremony was held for, a 56 year old acting principal of Wat Daeng School, who tragically passed away after falling from a school building roof he was repairing. The ceremony took place at Sala 1, Wat Daeng Thammachat, in the Sai Ma subdistrict of Nonthaburi. Phutthawat Kongwong, the acting principal of Wat Daeng School in Nonthaburi, suffered fatal…
- Thailand News
Pit bull attack claims life of elderly cyclist in Pathum Thani
A pit bull attack resulted in the tragic death of a 67 year old woman while she was cycling, leading the owner to declare an inability to care for the dog any longer. At 4.30pm yesterday, September 24, Police Lieutenant Kritchatha Pathumkaew from Sam Khok Police Station in Pathum Thani received a report of a fatal pit bull attack in…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai braces for potential flooding as water levels rise
Urgent warnings from the Chiang Mai Irrigation Office have been issued regarding the expected rise in water levels at Nawarat Bridge. The water is predicted to peak at approximately 4.45 metres early tomorrow morning. The Chiang Mai Irrigation Office 1 announced today, September 25, that due to the influence of Typhoon Surigae, significant rainfall from three days ago has caused…
- Pattaya News
Laotian man killed by hit-and-run truck near Pattaya
A tragic accident occurred on Bypass Road 36 near Pattaya when a Laotian man was struck and killed by a truck, whose driver fled the scene. The incident took place at 5pm yesterday, September 24, prompting Nongprue police and a rescue team from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation to rush to the location in the Pong area of Bang Lamung district,…
- Crime News
Grilling it illegally: Immigration cops catch foreign ‘meat’ deliverers
Immigration police in Samut Prakan arrested three foreign nationals operating an illegal grilled pork delivery business. The suspects were caught preparing pork, vegetables, and dipping sauces for delivery to customers, violating laws prohibiting foreigners from competing with Thai workers. Yesterday, September 24, Police Colonel Sumet Janwongpitak, the superintendent of the Samut Prakan Immigration Office, led a team to inspect a…
- Thailand News
Teenager drowns while playing in Chaiyaphum floodwaters
A 13 year old boy tragically drowned while playing in floodwaters with friends. His body was found the following morning under a weir. The search was conducted by various rescue teams, and the boy’s family was present, overwhelmed with grief. Yesterday, September 24, a 13 year old student drowned after being swept away by strong currents while playing in floodwaters…
- Chiang Mai News
Fire engulfs Chiang Mai market amid heavy rain and flooding
A fire broke out at the bustling Kad Luang market in Chiang Mai, consuming four commercial units amidst heavy rain and rising water levels from the Ping River. The blaze started around 1am yesterday, September 24, prompting a swift response from local police and emergency services. Police received the emergency call at the Chiang Mai Provincial Police Radio Centre and…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thunderstorms forecast: Brace yourself for a wet and wild day
Heavy rainfall is expected across nearly all regions of Thailand today, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing warnings for 60 provinces. Northern, northeastern, eastern, central, and southern areas, including Bangkok and its vicinity, are advised to be cautious of potential heavy rain and flash floods. The TMD forecasts that over the next 24 hours, a relatively strong monsoon trough…
- Road deaths
Tragic accident claims man’s life in Buriram amid bank visit
A tragic accident in Buriram has claimed the life of a 38 year old man. The incident occurred as he was returning home from the bank, where he had spent the past three consecutive days trying to link his new bank book to the PromptPay system. Unfortunately, he collided with a tractor and sustained fatal injuries. Yesterday, September 23, Police…
- Thailand News
Boy returns lost gold necklace worth hundreds of thousands of baht
A nine year old student of Ban Khan Moo School in Phatthalung province, Thailand, returned a gold necklace with a sacred amulet worth hundreds of thousands of baht to its rightful owner after finding it in a market water gutter. Yesterday, September 23, teachers, students, and parents of Ban Khan Moo School in Phatthalung gathered to commend Kris, a Primary…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s virtual banking sector faces competition for licences
Thailand’s emerging virtual banking sector is seeing intense competition as the number of applications has surpassed the available licences. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) announced it received five applications for virtual banking licences before the deadline, with plans to grant a maximum of three licences. The successful bidders are expected to be announced by mid-2025. The BoT has not disclosed…
- Crime News
Loan sharks attack victim faces charges after defending himself
A gang of loan sharks mistakenly attacked a 56 year old man at his home in Nonthaburi, leading him to defend himself. Ultimately, he is now at risk of facing legal action despite being the victim. Athiwat Sirikangwalwong, founder of the Dare to Step page, arrived to investigate the incident after receiving a complaint from Aran. The incident began when…
- Tourism News
Domestic tourism makes tracks but misses 1 trillion baht mark
Domestic tourism is on track to achieve 200 million trips this year, though revenue is anticipated to fall short of the 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) target, reaching only 965 billion baht (US$29.3 billion). The private sector is urging for the promotion of second-tier cities through a loyalty programme to bolster local tourism. From January to July, domestic tourism receipts…
- Thailand News
Thailand delays minimum wage hike to 400 baht by two weeks
Thailand’s decision to delay the planned increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day will extend the wait by about two weeks, according to a senior labour official. This postponement, initially set for October 1, is due to the committee responsible for the hike not meeting quorum requirements in its recent sessions. The committee, comprising representatives from employers,…
