- Business News
Gold hits record US$2,698.50 amid Middle East tensions
Gold prices surged to a new record high as heightened Middle East tensions drove investors towards the safe-haven asset, despite mixed economic data from the United States tempering expectations for significant interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year. Bullion increased by 0.2% to US$2,698.50, surpassing the previous all-time high set yesterday by approximately one dollar. This rise came…
- Thailand News
Thai father’s plea to find missing daughter and 262,000 baht
A father is pleading for help to find his 15 year old daughter, who has been missing for over two weeks, along with nearly 300,000 baht. He suspects someone has influenced her. The money from selling inherited land was intended for buying property. Narongchai, a 51 year old rider from Prasat, Ban Dan, Buriram, shared his ordeal, seeking media assistance…
- Business News
China’s economy grows 4.6% in Q3 amid property downturn
China’s economy experienced a marginally better-than-expected growth in the third quarter, according to data released today. However, the persistent property downturn and weak consumer spending continue to weigh heavily on economic activity, compelling policymakers to contemplate further stimulus measures to invigorate growth. The world’s second-largest economy expanded by 4.6% year-on-year in the July-September period, surpassing the 4.5% forecast in a…
- Business News
CIMB Thai Bank targets 200 billion baht in sustainability loans
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) aims to capitalise on the burgeoning demand for sustainability-linked loans, projected to be worth 200 billion baht (US$6 billion) among major local corporate clients within the next two years, particularly targeting the oil, gas, and energy sectors. Jason Lee, CIMBT’s head of sustainability, projects that around 300 large Thai corporations will seek transition financing over this…
- Business News
Gearing down: Thai auto parts makers face shock as EVs speed ahead
Thai auto parts manufacturers for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles face significant disruption due to the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), according to Tru Automotive, a supplier of auto parts under the TRW brand. Pornsak Ariyapongpairoj, Managing Director of Tru Automotive, stated that sales of parts for ICE cars are expected to decline as EV makers do not use…
- Business News
Thailand’s domestic tourism revenue to hit 970 billion baht
Festive events and new stimulus campaigns are set to boost domestic tourism revenue in Thailand to between 950 billion and 970 billion baht (US$28.6 and US$29 billion) this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Despite these efforts, the target of 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) will likely be missed due to a sluggish economy and the impact…
- Bangkok News
Gang attack in Bangkok leaves man fatally shot
A notorious gang stormed a rival’s home, resulting in a tragic shooting where the older brother came out to confront them but was fatally shot multiple times. The younger brother revealed the deceased had just returned to visit their mother before being caught in the crossfire. Police have identified the suspects. At 2am today, October 18, Tosaphon Rungchaeng, a deputy…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy monsoon rains to hit 42 Thai provinces including Bangkok
Heavy monsoon rains are expected to lash 42 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area predicted to experience significant rainfall. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings for flash floods and forest runoffs. TMD forecasts that monsoon troughs will traverse the upper southern and eastern regions of Thailand, moving into a low-pressure area over southern Vietnam. Concurrently,…
- Business News
All aboard: Vietnam charts a 7.2 billion baht track to China
Vietnam announced an estimated cost of 179 trillion dong (US$7.2 billion) to build a new railway connecting it with China‘s Yunnan province. The proposed 427-kilometre railway will traverse from Lao Cai province, through Hanoi, and extend to the port city of Haiphong and Ha Long City, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The country is actively pursuing the upgrade of…
- Crime News
Hack attack: Thai student caught in mule account mayhem
A female vocational student from Nakhon Si Thammarat sought media assistance after her mobile phone was hacked, leading to the unauthorised opening of a mule account in her name, resulting in two police summonses being sent to her home, raising concerns about her studies. Somnuk and Oranong Thongsuk reported to the media that their daughter, Natnaree Thongsuk, a student at…
- Chiang Mai News
Rain check: Chiang Mai braces for possible downpour deluge
Chiang Mai residents are on high alert due to heavy rainfall, raising fears of potential flooding. The Northern Meteorological Centre warned locals to be cautious of severe weather conditions, including flash floods and landslides. Heavy rain has been pouring on Chiang Mai since early morning, showing no signs of easing. The continuous thunderstorms and lightning have added to the residents’…
- Crime News
Fowl play: Ratchaburi cops ruffle feathers in illegal cockfighting raid
Ratchaburi cops raided an illegal cockfighting ring hidden in a forested area, apprehending 25 gamblers and charging them with three serious offences. The operation followed complaints from locals about the activities near Moo 7 in Ang Thong subdistrict. Sutthiphong Phutthachantra, the district chief of Mueang Ratchaburi, received reports from locals about a makeshift cockfighting arena attracting numerous gamblers. Consequently, he…
- Tourism News
High-end hotels check in higher rates amid rising tourist numbers
High-end hotel operators are poised to increase room rates during the High Season as tourist numbers are anticipated to rise in the coming months, while mid-tier and lower-tier hotels continue to face challenges. The hotel operator sentiment index reveals this trend. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that the average occupancy rate in September was 55%,…
- Business News
Cash ‘n’ climb: Thailand GDP rises but 2026 could be a steep drop
Thailand’s GDP forecast has been upgraded for this year and next to 2.8% and 3%, respectively, due to the government’s cash handout boosting the economy. However, analysts warn of an economic cliff in 2026 if no new growth engines are introduced. Kiatnakin Phatra Research (KKP) and BofA Global Research have both raised their Thai GDP outlooks for 2024 from 2.6%…
- Thailand News
No tipple time: Thailand toasts sobriety with 24-hour booze ban
Thailand raised a glass to sobriety with a 24-hour alcohol ban that started from midnight last night in observance of Wan Org Pansa, marking the conclusion of the three-month Rains Retreat, widely known as Buddhist Lent. The prohibition on alcohol sales will last until midnight tonight. The National Office of Buddhism highlighted that Wan Org Pansa, also known as Pavarana…
- Business News
Powering on: Thailand energy plan sparks a 2.9 trillion baht boost
Thailand’s new National Energy Plan (NEP) aims to drive significant investment and promote clean energy, with a projected 2.9 trillion baht in capital spending over the next 13 years. Central to this initiative is the emphasis on solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The NEP 2024, scheduled for implementation from this year until 2037, integrates a comprehensive power development…
- Bangkok News
Police chief orders swift arrest after fatal hit-and-run in Bangkok
A dramatic incident involving a motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run occurred yesterday in Bangkok prompting immediate intervention from the national police chief. The event took place around 5.10pm, yesterday, October 16, as Chief Kittirat Panpet was on his way to a religious ceremony at Wat Thepsirin. While travelling to the ceremony following an inspection of police riot control units at…
- Crime News
Soldier attacks Thai sausage vendor, evades arrest in military camp
A soldier attacked a sausage vendor with a knife before fleeing to a military camp, leaving the police unable to apprehend him. Despite the incident occurring a week ago, the perpetrator remains at large, unpunished. Wisanu, a 20 year old sausage vendor from Nang Rong district, Buriram province, reported the incident to Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongrat Keawsanam. According to Wisanu,…
- Thailand News
Chaiyaphum man wins 12 million baht in lottery
A Chaiyaphum man has won first prize in the latest lottery draw, taking home a staggering 12 million baht. Relatives, overwhelmed with joy, rushed to the local police station to officially record the win. Atisak, a 58 year old man, along with his family, visited the Khon Sawan Police Station in Chaiyaphum province to register his win with Police Lieutenant…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Monsoon brings heavy rain to central, eastern, southern Thailand
Weather conditions for today see a monsoon trough passing through central, eastern, and southern regions, including Bangkok, bringing rain to 60% of the area with heavy showers in some places. Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously due to high waves. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that for the next 24 hours, the monsoon trough will move across the upper…
- Bangkok News
Vocational student brawl disrupts Bangkok train commuters (video)
Panic erupted on a crowded train this morning when a group of young vocational students were involved in a wild brawl, sending Bangkok commuters scrambling for safety at Siam BTS. The chaotic scene unfolded around 8.30am, today, October 16, with Police swooping in to detain the troublemakers. Videos circulating online show more than ten boys, believed to be vocational students,…
- Crime News
Man robbed at knifepoint while selling iPhone 16 in Bangkok
A man was robbed at knifepoint after attempting to sell an iPhone 16 via Facebook. The incident took place early yesterday, October 15, near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 49 in Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok. Police are currently investigating the case to apprehend the suspect. Around 12.03am today, Bang Khen police officers were alerted to the robbery involving a weapon…
- Road deaths
Motorcyclist dies in collision with 18-wheeler on Sukhumvit Road
A tragic accident occurred when a motorcyclist collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler, resulting in the motorcyclist’s death. The incident took place on Sukhumvit Road, heading towards Bangkok, opposite the entrance of Thung Krad Temple in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. At 12.06am today, October 16, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received a report of a serious…
- Business News
Thailand’s stock market sees a ‘baht’ of foreign interest
Foreign investors have increased their holdings of Thai shares by 1.37% in the first eight months of 2024, reaching a total of 5.18 trillion baht, based on data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This rise highlights the growing interest in the technology, financial, and services sectors. By August 2024, foreign investors held over 5.18 trillion baht (US$155 billion)…
- Business News
Tax exemption for corporate insurance payouts amid flood recovery
The Cabinet has sanctioned a tax exemption for corporate income derived from insurance payouts for policyholders impacted by this year’s floods. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub announced after the Cabinet meeting that companies in flood-affected areas with insurance coverage against floods will have their insurance payouts exempted from income tax, as per the Finance Ministry’s directive. For business operators needing loans…
- Business News
Commerce Ministry launches economic recovery plan to aid SMEs
The Commerce Ministry is collaborating with government agencies in Thailand to roll out a nationwide economic recovery initiative over five months, aimed at assisting small businesses, easing expenses, and reducing the cost of living. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan convened with over 150 representatives from private sector organisations to jointly launch the project. The discussions incorporated cooperation from both public and…
- Road deaths
4 dead, 5 injured in Sa Kaeo crash involving illegal labourers
A head-on collision between a pickup truck and a saloon car resulted in four fatalities and five injuries in a sugarcane forest in Sa Kaeo Province. The incident was linked to a pursuit of illegal labourers. Reported yesterday, October 15, the accident took place the day before on a road near the permanent border crossing point at Ban Khao Din-Khlong…
- Crime News
Ink-redible heist: Chon Buri tattoo shop duped by fake cop
A tattoo shop owner in Chon Buri fell victim to a man impersonating a police officer, losing gold and valuable amulets worth 300,000 baht. The imposter, claiming to be a lieutenant from the Crime Suppression Division, exploited the owner’s trust by pretending to suffer from depression. Yesterday, October 15, journalists visited the tattoo shop in Ban Kao subdistrict, Phan Thong…
- Thailand News
Catch of the day: Surat Thani nets illegal fishing gear
Officials in Surat Thani have taken decisive action against illegal fishing activities, removing unlawful equipment from Ban Don Bay. Yesterday, October 15, Nattapol Sinpunpol, Deputy Director of the Naval Civil Affairs Department in Surat Thani, led a collaborative effort with multiple agencies to address the issue. The operation involved officials from the Provincial Fisheries Office, the 6th Police Division, legal…
- Road deaths
Late-night LPG truck crash in Bang Pakong causes major damage
A late-night accident involving an LPG gas truck colliding with a parked pickup truck caused significant damage but no injuries or fatalities. The incident occurred around 11pm yesterday, October 15, in front of Burapha Village in Bang Wua, Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province. Police from the Bang Pakong Police Station were promptly notified and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival,…
