- Tourism News
Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue by 2025
Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting an impressive 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues by 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.…
- Crime News
Beauty queen scammed out of 4 million baht by cyber criminals
Charlotte Austin, a beauty queen affiliated with Miss Grand Thailand, has reportedly fallen victim to a scam by a cybercriminal gang, resulting in a loss of 4 million baht. The perpetrators allegedly coerced her into a continuous 24-hour video call. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently investigating the incident but has not yet been able to contact Charlotte…
- Phuket News
Phuket crackdown: Unlicensed jet skis lead to 10,000 baht fines
Officials in Phuket conducted a thorough inspection at Laem Sai Pier in Tambon Thepkrasattri yesterday, December 9, uncovering 10 unlicensed jet skis being rented out to tourists. This action was part of a broader initiative to ensure adherence to maritime regulations. The operation was spearheaded by Prawet Suphachai, Director of the Marine Department Region 5 branch, with the support of…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Temperatures rise in Thailand, heavy rain persists in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a forecast indicating a rise in temperatures across Thailand today, with increases of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius expected. However, the southern region will continue to experience heavy rainfall in some areas. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours reveals that the moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass currently covering the…
- Crime News
Chon Buri MP’s father shot at rice porridge shop, suspect sought
A gunman targeted Sakda Nopsit, the father of a Chon Buri MP, leaving him seriously injured. The police have launched an investigation to track down the suspect. The incident occurred yesterday, December 9, at a rice porridge shop in Samet, Mueang Chon Buri. The police, led by Thanaphong Photi and accompanied by a team of investigators and Tri Khunnatham rescue…
- Pattaya News
Driver hospitalised after pickup hits power pole in Bang Lamung
A driver found himself in hospital care after his pickup truck collided with a power pole in Bang Lamung. The incident occurred at 4.30pm, yesterday, December 9, in Soi Takean Tia, drawing emergency responders to the scene promptly. Upon arrival, they discovered a heavily damaged pickup truck entangled with a power pole, which had also suffered significant damage. The area…
- Pattaya News
Elderly Thai man walks 14 days to find missing son
An elderly Thai man, partially blind and determined to find his long-lost son, embarked on a remarkable 14-day journey on foot from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chon Buri. This poignant tale of parental love and perseverance unfolds as 85 year old Lung Lek Wongjaiya made the arduous trek with a cane, driven by the hope of reuniting with his eldest son,…
- Thailand News
Thai crew’s fate uncertain as Myanmar delays release decision
The fate of the Thai crewmembers detained in Myanmar remains uncertain as the government awaits a decision from Nay Pyi Taw. Local officials are currently not empowered to authorise their release, following an incident near Ranong last week. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed yesterday, December 9, that negotiations for their release continue, with Thai officials having formally requested permission to…
- Thailand News
Thailand to finalise 400 baht minimum wage proposal on December 12
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming tripartite wage committee meeting is palpable, as it seeks to finalise the government’s proposal for a nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht per day. Scheduled for Thursday, December 12, this meeting aims to implement the wage hike as a new year’s offering to workers, a key initiative the ruling Pheu Thai Party promised. The…
- Thailand News
Five men die in tragic Thai fish tank accident
Five men tragically lost their lives in a fish fermentation tank at a plant in the Lom Sak district of Phetchabun, a province in northern Thailand. The incident was reported to the Lom Sak Police Station yesterday, December 9, around 5pm. The deceased were identified as 69 year old Lam, 68 year old Lad, 50 year old Jakkrit Senanut, Hia…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks US direct flights amid airline hesitance
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively working to initiate direct flights from the United States to Thailand, as local Thai airlines remain hesitant to establish these routes. This move follows the anticipated lifting of restrictions by aviation regulators next year. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently provided a positive assessment of Thailand’s aviation safety standards. The Transport…
- Business News
Bank loan growth to shrink despite Q4 rise in retail lending
Bank loan growth is anticipated to shrink this year despite a slight rise in the fourth quarter, as banks maintain their cautious lending practices into 2025 to 2026 due to sluggish GDP growth, analysts report. Analyst Weerapat Wonk-Urai from CGS International Securities (Thailand) highlighted a rising ratio of underperforming loans in retail lending, prompting banks to enforce stricter credit standards…
- Crime News
State officials probed over Saraburi land encroachment allegations
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) embarked on an investigation to determine the involvement of state officials in alleged land encroachment activities in Saraburi. The primary focus is on the Phu Nub Dao Cafe & Farm, accused of constructing buildings illegally on a Sor Por Kor land reform area in Muak Lek district. Witthaya Arkhompitak, the acting chairman of the NACC,…
- Thailand News
Sia Piang released early from prison due to health issues
Apichart Jansakulporn, widely recognised as Sia Piang, has been released from prison, confirmed by the Department of Corrections (DoC). Initially sentenced to 48 years for his involvement in the rice-pledging scandal, Apichart was granted early release due to severe health issues, having served only seven years of his sentence. The DoC Director General, Sahakarn Phetnarin, stated yesterday, December 5, that…
- Crime News
Twitter personality arrested for 50,000 baht scam impersonation
A popular Twitter personality with over 30,000 followers was recently apprehended for impersonating a relative to swindle 50,000 baht. She was caught after returning from Malaysia and claimed she only provided OTP codes for small payments. The arrest took place yesterday, December 5, as Pramote Chanbungkaew, head of Phetkasem Police Station, and his team apprehended 27 year old Mathurin, from…
- Road deaths
Woman dies in Nakhon Phanom crash while rushing to sick child
A tragic accident claimed the life of a woman on a motorcycle who was rushing to visit her sick child in a hospital in Nakhon Phanom. The incident occurred when she collided with a garbage truck, leaving her two children orphaned. The 28 year old woman, who had recently lost her husband, was identified as Onpriya. Officers from the Mueang…
- Crime News
Father killed by son in drug-fuelled attack in Phrae
Tragedy struck as a 75 year old father was brutally attacked and killed by his son in a drug-induced frenzy. The elderly man was found with eight severe wounds across his body. This shocking incident was reported yesterday in Den Chai district, Phrae province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthawut Maneekat, from Huai Rai Police Station, received the distressing report of an…
- Crime News
Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown
Police in Loei province swooped on illegal street racing gang over a nine-day operation, seizing nearly 100 modified motorcycles and issuing numerous legal actions against offenders. The operation aimed to curb the public nuisance and safety hazards posed by these activities. Police in Loei province, including the Provincial Governor Chaipoj Jarunpong and Police Major General Phongpipat Siripornviwat, held a press…
- Crime News
Gunfire attack at Thai office linked to youth gang
A brazen attack unfolded at the administrative office of Wang Taku subdistrict, Nakhon Pathom, when unknown assailants opened fire, causing significant damage with 17 bullet holes in the building. Police suspect a youth gang may be behind this act of violence. At approximately 8.30am yesterday, December 4, investigation officer Kritnai Ngenyuang from Nakhon Pathom City Police Station received a report…
- Business News
Thailand’s 2024 inflation forecast set between 0.2% and 0.8%
The Commerce Ministry has forecasted that Thailand’s headline inflation for 2024 will range from 0.2% to 0.8%, settling at a midpoint of 0.5%. This projection is part of a broader economic outlook that anticipates a range of factors influencing price changes in the coming years. In 2025, headline inflation is expected to be slightly higher, between 0.3% and 1.3%, driven…
- Phuket News
Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA
Israel’s recent warning of a terrorist threat in Southeast Asia, following the murder of an Israeli rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, is not expected to impact Phuket, according to the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Despite the alert, Phuket remains a popular destination for Israeli tourists, with enhanced safety measures in place to ensure visitor security. The National Council of…
- Crime News
Family dispute turns deadly as man shoots uncle in Nonthaburi
A 25 year old man, Chakraphan, fatally shot his uncle, 34 year old Chakrawat, in a heated altercation during a mealtime gathering. The incident unfolded late last night in front of a construction workers’ dormitory in Ban Mai, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. Police from Bang Mae Nang swiftly apprehended Chakraphan after the shooting yesterday, December 4. Chakraphan’s mother, 50 year old…
- Chiang Mai News
Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre
Cyber police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) carried out a raid on a luxurious resort in Chiang Mai, uncovering a Chinese gang operating an illegal call centre targeting Thai victims. The operation, which involved over 20 officers, took place yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal telecommunications devices. The…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for nine provinces in Thailand, with risks of flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers. Coastal areas are also facing 2 metre high waves, while Bangkok experiences morning fog and cooler temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius. A moderate northeast monsoon currently affects the Gulf of Thailand and the southern regions, combined with a low-pressure…
- World News
‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy
Notorious fraudster Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport has returned to the UK from Thailand to contest a police order to shut down his £15 million (652 million baht) in Marylebone, London. The 58 year old, known for hosting raucous sex parties at the lavish property, is challenging a closure notice issued by the Metropolitan Police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and…
- Thailand News
Thailand cuts car taxes to boost electric vehicle production
Thailand’s National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has approved a revamped car tax structure to bolster the production of hybrid vehicles and transition from internal combustion engines to electric power. Chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the committee aims to position Thailand as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) and electric motorcycle production in Southeast Asia. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the Secretary-General…
- Thailand News
Thailand expands free essential medicines list, saving 170 million baht
The National Drug System Development Committee expanded the national list of essential medicines, ensuring that patients can access these drugs at no cost. This decision is set to improve healthcare accessibility for many in Thailand, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong yesterday, December 4. The committee has now made over 20 new drugs available on this national list.…
- Thailand News
New M9 motorway to connect Bangkok districts in 2029
The Cabinet has given the green light for a significant new infrastructure project: a 35-kilometre M9 motorway aiming to connect Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district with Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, highlighting its potential to alleviate traffic congestion on Kanchanaphisek Road’s western side and enhance connectivity with Bangkok’s network of outer ring roads.…
- Crime News
Over 1,000 detained in Thai nominee crackdown on foreign businesses
Police intensified their crackdown on the use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses, resulting in the detention of over 1,000 individuals over recent weeks. This sweeping operation was a joint effort by police and the Ministry of Commerce, targeting companies engaging in illicit business practices. Investigations focused on 442 companies, collectively handling over 3.6 billion baht (US$105 million), across 46…
- Business News
Thailand proposes VAT hike, cuts income tax to boost economy
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has proposed a shift in Thailand’s tax strategy to bolster state revenue and enhance the nation’s economic standing. The plan includes raising the value-added tax (VAT) while reducing corporate and personal income tax rates. This approach aims to drive national development, increase competitiveness, and address domestic disparities. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently set…
