- Crime News
Laotian man steals van in drug-fuelled chase through Khon Kaen
A man from Laos, under the influence of methamphetamine, stole a luxury van while its owner was buying chicken with his son. The dramatic chase ended with the suspect’s arrest after he crashed through police checkpoints, injuring one officer. At 7pm yesterday, September 17, police from Khao Suan Kwang Police Station in Khon Kaen received a report about a stolen…
- Crime News
Woman arrested after decade-long human trafficking chase
Police apprehended a 62 year old woman involved in human trafficking linked to forced labour on fishing trawlers after she evaded capture for over a decade. Sompong Sroithong was taken into custody when officers intercepted her pickup truck in the Mueang district of Samut Prakan yesterday, September 17, according to Police Major General Sarut Kwaengsopha, commander of the police Anti-Trafficking…
- Thailand News
Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country. This decision, taken at the new Cabinet’s first weekly meeting, will provide financial relief to approximately 338,391 households affected by flooding since May, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The financial…
- Thailand News
Thai military faces renewed bribery allegations involving US firm
Allegations of transnational bribery involving the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military. “It’s been around for a long time.” Phumtham, addressing the recent claims of kickbacks allegedly paid by a US company to the…
- Thailand News
Minimum wage decision delayed after employer reps’ no-show
The Wage Committee’s scheduled meeting was abruptly cancelled due to the absence of employer representatives, postponing the decision to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht set to take effect on October 1. Government and employee committee members were left waiting at the Ministry of Labour yesterday. Pairote Chotikasathien, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Chairman of the…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Myanmar to expand catchment areas amid flood crisis
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is negotiating with Myanmar officials to find collaborative solutions to the regional flood crisis. Discussions focus on expanding catchment areas to alleviate the flooding impact. Myanmar faces severe flooding due to storms and water flowing from the highlands into the Salween River. The Thai embassy in Myanmar is facilitating discussions between agencies from both nations…
- Bangkok News
Police quickly nab suspects in Bang Phli market burglary
Police in Bang Phli swiftly arrested two suspects less than 24 hours after a late-night burglary at a local market office. The suspects, 18 year old Anuwat, and 42 year old Natthapimon, were apprehended with stolen gold and cash worth nearly 1 million baht. Today, September 17, Police Colonel Pairoj Phetploy and Investigation Chief Santirat Ngernmun, along with a team…
- Thailand News
Boat with four people vanishes en route to Sukorn Island
A passenger boat named Pornthavee, carrying four individuals, including the driver, disappeared amidst a storm while en route to Sukorn Island. Despite extensive search efforts, the boat remains missing. The boat, captained by Supit Khaodee, who is also known as Bang Poo, departed from Khlong Palian in Trang province heading towards Sukorn Island. Alongside Supit were three passengers: Fak Khaodee,…
- Thailand News
Lopburi police conduct drug tests on public transport drivers
Lopburi’s Tourist Police, along with other relevant agencies, conducted drug tests on public transport drivers yesterday. The operation, led by Saksila Phueak-am and other senior officers, aimed to ensure road safety for tourists and commuters. Police and health officials from Lopburi, along with transport and municipal officers, collaborated to test the physical fitness of public transport drivers in the area.…
- Thailand News
Digital wallet scheme falls short of 45 million target, saves 100 billion baht
Online registrations for the government’s digital wallet handout scheme have recently closed, with only 36 million people signing up, falling short of the 45 million target. The Finance Ministry reported that this shortfall has resulted in a saving of 100 billion baht (US$3 billion) from the project’s budget. When asked whether the lower registration numbers indicated a lack of public…
- Thailand News
Village celebrates as woman wins 12 million baht lottery
A village erupted in celebration as an unnamed local woman became a millionaire after winning the first prize in the latest lottery draw. The lucky winner received a total of 12 million baht (US$360,650), sparking widespread joy and congratulations from the community. The Government Lottery Office announced the results of the draw for today, revealing that the first prize-winning number…
- Thailand News
Dogs cause motorcycle crash, owner denies responsibility
Two dogs chasing each other caused a motorcycle accident, leading to injuries and damage to a pickup truck. The owner of the dogs denies responsibility, despite CCTV footage showing the dogs leaving and returning to the house. On September 16, 38 year old Kritsanapon Sukcharoen, who works at a law office in Nang Rong district, Buriram province, and 43 year…
- Thailand News
Severe storm hits Phatthalung, leaving homes roofless
A severe storm hit Phatthalung, causing significant damage to homes and property. Strong winds, referred to as a Lom Hua Duan by locals, and heavy rain devastated the area, leaving at least 14 homes roofless and five homes completely destroyed. Yesterday evening, strong gusts of wind combined with heavy rainfall struck the Khuan Sawaeng village in Khok Sai subdistrict, Pa…
- Crime News
Police raid underground lotteries in Chiang Mai and Lamphun
Police recently conducted a raid on underground lottery operations in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal lottery tickets and other evidence. Yesterday, September 16, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, Kritthaphon Yisakhon, directed the regional investigation team to crack down on underground lotteries. Led by Vorapong Khamlue, the Deputy Commander of Provincial…
- Thailand News
Two students drown in boat accident near Phichit temple
Two 15 year old male students drowned while playing in a boat near a temple in Phichit province after it capsized unexpectedly. They called for help but it was too late to save them. Deputy Inspector Pichai Nilsingh from Mueang Phichit Police Station was notified of the incident yesterday, September 16. The tragic event occurred in front of Klong Khu…
- Crime News
Senior judge suspended after molestation allegations on train
A senior judge has been suspended following allegations of molesting a female court worker during a journey in June. The Judicial Commission decided to suspend the judge with a 14-1 vote after an inquiry panel determined that he had committed a severe disciplinary violation. In July, a female court stenographer filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), accusing…
- Crime News
Man arrested for imprisoning, raping daughter in adult film scandal
A 32 year old man has been arrested for allegedly imprisoning and raping his 14 year old daughter while forcing her to participate in adult film productions over seven days. He denies the accusations, claiming his daughter fabricated the story. On September 15, police officials, including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang and Police Major General Napasin Poolsawat directed an investigation…
- Phuket News
Violence erupts in Patong: Tourists injured in separate altercations
Violence erupted once again in Patong yesterday as two separate incidents involving tourists left one man unconscious and another with a severe head injury. On Bangla Road at around 7.10am, yesterday, September 14, a fight broke out between three Middle Eastern tourists. Witnesses reported that the men had been drinking heavily before an argument escalated into physical violence. Two of…
- Phuket News
Fire destroys over 3 million baht of cannabis at Phuket warehouse
A fire at a warehouse in Srisoonthorn early today resulted in the destruction of more than 3 million baht worth of cannabis. The blaze broke out at a facility owned by J.L. Development in Moo 4 and was reported just before 7.30am. Police and firefighters from Srisoonthorn and Cheng Talay Municipalities quickly responded to the call. Firefighters battled the flames…
- Thailand News
Driver submerges 4.2 million baht in pond, only 400,000 baht found
A lorry owner faces financial distress after a broker drove a pickup truck into a pond, submerging 4.2 million baht in cash, with only 400,000 baht recovered so far. Efforts are underway to pump out the water and find the remaining 3.8 million baht. At 7.30pm yesterday, September 14, a report emerged that a pickup truck had sunk into a…
- Thailand News
Villagers flock to sacred tree spirit for lottery blessings
Villagers in Lan Sak, Uthai Thani, flocked to Wat Pa Sak to seek blessings from Mae Ya Takian Thong, a sacred tree spirit believed to be over 100 years old, after seeing lucky numbers appear on its chest. Locals have long revered the Takian tree, which was ceremoniously raised from the water by a former abbot who, notably, passed away…
- Road deaths
Rescue vehicle crashes in Phichit, injuring five after flood relief
A rescue vehicle returning from flood relief efforts in Chiang Rai crashed into a tree in Phichit, injuring five people and leaving one in serious condition. Emergency personnel promptly transported the wounded to local hospitals for immediate medical attention. Fire & Rescue Thailand reports that around 6.12am today, September 15, Phichit Por Tek Tung Foundation received a notification of a…
- Road deaths
Mercedes-Benz crashes on Ram Inthra Expressway, driver flees
A Mercedes-Benz C-350 E crashed into a steel road barrier on the sharp curve of Ram Inthra Expressway, causing extensive damage and deploying all eight airbags. The driver abandoned the vehicle and walked away, prompting police to investigate the incident further. At 3am today, September 15, Kireeaek Boonmongkol, the Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Bang Khen Police Station, received a report…
- Crime News
Cyber police dismantle illegal moneylending networks in Songkhla
Cyber police forces have successfully dismantled two major networks of illegal moneylenders charging exorbitant interest rates of 30 to 60% per month, seizing extensive customer lists. This operation took place yesterday, following confessions obtained on September 14. Police General Worawat Wattanakornbunchachai, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Commissioner, directed Police Major General Phumipat Patrasrivongchai, the Commander of Cyber Crime Investigation Division…
- Crime News
Bang Lamung police arrest drug suspect with meth in Takhian Tia
Bang Lamung police investigators arrested a drug suspect on September 13 in the Takhian Tia area of Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The suspect, identified as Anan, was found with 72 methamphetamine pills and 13.81 grammes of crystal methamphetamine in his possession. The arrest stemmed from an earlier bust on August 12, when Bang Lamung officers detained three individuals. These individuals,…
- Crime News
Police raid in Na Jomtien uncovers Indian call scam operation
Police raided a residence in Na Jomtien, Chon Buri, targeting an Indian call scam operation. Acting on a Pattaya court warrant, Chon Buri police investigators, immigration officers, and other relevant officials conducted the raid after receiving reports about Indian nationals engaging in illegal activities. A 20 year old Indian man claimed ownership of the residence, where 23 other Indian men…
- Crime News
Insurgents bomb ATM, set fire to Songkhla office, no injuries
Insurgents are believed to be behind the bombing of an ATM booth and a fire at a local government office in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province, early yesterday. No injuries were reported. The ATM booth, located in front of the Ban Nod Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO) office, was targeted by a bomb around 1.50am, yesterday, September 14, according to Police…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok couple arrested for exploiting Shan state minors
Police arrested a couple in Bangkok’s Pracha Chuen area on allegations of exploiting minors from Myanmar’s Shan state for forced labour. The arrests took place yesterday morning when officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, alongside Pracha Chuen police officers, raided a house on Ngamwongwan Road in the Lak Si district. The suspects, identified only as 35 year old Golf,…
- Business News
ETDA plugs in: Powering up Thailand’s digital economy for 2024
Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) unveiled plans to further its role as a co-creation regulator and promoter next year, aiming to boost the digital economy’s value and generate positive social impact. The ETDA intends to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure, focusing on promoting e-document management, improving governance of digital platform services, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for good governance…
- Business News
Thai Finance Ministry enhances data use for economic growth
The Ministry of Finance is advancing its data utilisation efforts to develop comprehensive profiles of Thai citizens’ liabilities and assets, aiming to bolster economic development. Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit revealed that creating a data lake will enable the government to craft improved national development policies and identify regional strengths and weaknesses. This system will consolidate diverse information about citizens, including…
