- 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…
- Business News
Thai industry urges delay on 400 baht minimum wage increase
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is set to appeal to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tomorrow, urging a postponement of the upcoming increase in the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, scheduled for January 1 next year. This request arises from the current economic challenges businesses are facing. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of…
- 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…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Australian man arrested after chaotic naked rampage in Pattaya
In a striking incident near Pattaya, an Australian man caused chaos in a luxury village by running unclothed, setting his residence ablaze, and damaging vehicles. The event unfolded yesterday, December 4, at 8.30am when Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Nattakon Chanlod, received a report concerning a foreign individual behaving erratically in Nongprue. The man, identified as 38 year old Andrew, was…
- 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
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.…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok arrests three African nationals in human trafficking crackdown
Three individuals from Africa have been apprehended in connection with a notorious human trafficking ring in Bangkok. The gang, known as madam, is accused of luring women from Africa into prostitution in Thailand’s capital city. Police from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) initiated the crackdown with the arrest of a Malian man, identified only as Baba, in Nong Khai…
- 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…
- Crime News
Man arrested for naked stroll in Samut Prakan village
A 25 year old man from Pathum Thani was apprehended for wandering around a village in Samut Prakan late at night without any clothes on. Footage from CCTV cameras captured his actions. He confessed to doing so out of excitement and recklessness. The incident occurred in a village in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where residents reported seeing a…
- Bangkok News
Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student
A 33 year old Chinese man has been apprehended by police in Bangkok following allegations of rape involving an 18 year old university student. The incident, which was reportedly filmed by the suspect, raised significant concerns about the safety of young women in the capital city. The victim recounted to police that she encountered the suspect, identified as Su Xing…
- Thailand News
Four Thai nationals safe after Myanmar sea detainment
Four Thai nationals detained in Myanmar are reportedly safe after their boat allegedly entered Myanmar waters in the Andaman Sea over the weekend. The government reported this information yesterday, December 3, following an incident where Myanmar navy vessels reportedly opened fire on some of the 15 Thai fishing boats that strayed 6 to 7 kilometres into Myanmar waters on November…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves 5 billion baht flood aid for 16 provinces
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of 5 billion baht to aid households in 16 more provinces beset by recent flooding, expanding the scope of assistance previously extended to other affected areas. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that every flood-impacted household within these 16 provinces, including several in the southern region, will receive a uniform payout of 9,000 baht…
- Thailand News
Ancient human remains discovered in Nakhon Ratchasima
Villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima stumbled upon human skulls and bone fragments believed to be centuries old, alongside broken pottery shards. Police have been notified and archaeological experts are being consulted. The discovery occurred near the Sap Pradu Reservoir in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, when 60 year old local Somkhuan Phangkaewkam, was tending to his cattle. He noticed what initially…
- Road deaths
Man tragically killed in Surat Thani hit-and-run accident
A tragic hit-and-run incident has claimed the life of a man in Surat Thani, leaving his body dismembered at the scene. Police are urgently seeking the driver responsible for this fatal accident, which occurred late yesterday, December 3. At approximately 9.58pm yesterday, the police received a report of a deadly hit-and-run on the southbound lane of Road 41, near Kuan…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Rain check: Southern Thailand braced for monsoon-soaked splash
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for 10 provinces in southern Thailand, alerting residents of potentially heavy to very heavy rainfall due to a low-pressure system and monsoon conditions affecting the region today and tomorrow. Sukanyanee Yawincharn, TMD Director General, released the sixth announcement concerning the heavy rainfall expected in southern Thailand. The warning, which is effective from…
- South Thailand News
Road collapse in Betong disrupts traffic until December next year
A road collapse in Betong, Yala Province, has caused significant disruption, with officials warning motorists to avoid the area due to safety concerns. The road, which has sunk over 10 metres deep, is closed for repairs from today, December 4 until further notice. A report from locals alerted the acting head of the Betong District Transport Office, Thararath Sangthong, to…
- Pattaya News
Tragic Pattaya incident: Daughter finds mother drowned in basin
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when an 18 year old girl returned home from work to find her mother dead, face down in a washing basin. Despite immediate efforts to save her, the mother could not be revived, leaving the family heartbroken. The distressing event occurred late at night when the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya was informed…
- Crime News
Monk injured in temple assault by abbot over sound system dispute
A shocking incident at a temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Phrom Khiri district has left a monk severely injured after being assaulted by the abbot. The attack, allegedly over a broken sound system, resulted in the monk’s left arm being fractured, prompting police involvement and potential severe charges against the abbot. The incident occurred at a local temple where the…
- Thailand News
Thailand faces worsening air quality crisis, health warnings issued
Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards. The most severe pollution is found in Pak Kret, with Bangkok also experiencing widespread poor air quality. The air quality is expected to worsen between tomorrow and December 7, prompting health advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks. The Air Pollution Solution…
- Road deaths
Nonthaburi shop owners seek driver after 50,000 baht accident
Two shop owners are seeking the whereabouts of a driver who caused extensive damage to their businesses in a late-night car crash, promising to compensate before becoming unreachable after one day of contact. The incident occurred at approximately 3.40am on December 1, when a Toyota Wish sedan, driven by a 38 year old man identified as Charnwut (surname withheld), lost…
- Business News
PTT forecasts growth amid rising energy demand, Thai recovery
PTT Plc, Thailand’s state-owned oil and gas conglomerate, anticipates a stronger business outlook in 2024, buoyed by increased energy demand and an improving domestic economy, despite a forecasted dip in energy prices. The high tourism season is expected to drive up domestic oil consumption as both foreign and local travellers contribute to heightened energy usage. Factories are also projected to…
- Business News
Thai trade rises 6.18% to 1.51 trillion baht in 10 months
Thailand’s border and cross-border trade surged by 6.18% in the first 10 months of 2024, reaching a total value of 1.51 trillion baht (US$43.43 billion), according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The government has set an ambitious goal of expanding this trade to 2 trillion baht (US$58 billion) annually by 2027. The export value during the period rose by 5.64%…
- Thailand News
Surprise drug test reveals one positive at Buriram meeting
In a surprising move, the district chief of Ban Mai Chaiphot, Seksan Janwongsa, ordered a sudden drug test for local officials during a meeting yesterday, December 2. The surprise urine test, part of an integrated campaign to combat drug issues, revealed one official testing positive for drugs, with five others yet to be tested. The meeting, which took place at…
- Thailand News
Tragic accident: Man drowns as truck slides into Thai pond
A tragic incident unfolded last night when a man, who had been resting in his truck by a pond, was found dead after the vehicle rolled into the water. The victim, who had been guarding machinery inside the truck, struggled to escape but could not survive. At around 10pm, yesterday, December 2, emergency rescue teams from Ruenchit Volunteers, located in…
- Thailand News
Thailand urges swift release of citizens detained by Myanmar
Thailand urged Myanmar’s ambassador to urgently work for the release of four Thai citizens who are currently detained in Myanmar, following an incident in which their fishing boat was fired upon by Myanmar naval ships off the coast of Ranong last week. Piyapak Sricharoen, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, met with Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand, U Chit…
- Crime News
Woman arrested at husband’s hospital bedside over fraud charges
A 39 year old woman wanted on two arrest warrants for fraud and computer crimes was arrested by police while visiting her husband, who is currently recovering in a hospital after being shot during a standoff with police. At around 4pm yesterday, December 2, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornpong Sukwisit, Deputy Commander of the Investigation Division, along with the investigative team…
