- Business News
New Thai bank licences grapple with early profitability challenges
The winners of the Bank of Thailand’s virtual bank licences are expected to face significant challenges in achieving profitability in the initial years, as the industry typically experiences high cash burn during the first five years, according to KGI Securities. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is projected to benefit the least from a virtual bank licence compared to other Thai banks…
- Business News
New action plan to tackle global trade shifts and aid Thai industries
The International Institute for Trade and Development is set to unveil an action plan designed to address shifts in global trade regulations and industry supply chains. The institute aims to present this strategic plan to the Commerce Ministry, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Thai Industries by November. Suphakit Chareonkul, the executive director, highlighted that recent global…
- Business News
Thailand to develop SME-focused industrial estate in EEC
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is planning to develop a new industrial estate tailored specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Sumet Thangprasert, the acting governor of IEAT, confirmed that a portion of an IEAT-owned industrial estate in the EEC would be utilised for this project. The EEC, encompassing regions like Chon…
- Tourism News
Boost Songkhla tourism with better rail links to Malaysia, says guide
Promoting Songkhla province’s cultural attractions and enhancing rail connections with Malaysia could significantly boost tourism, according to the founder of the Songkhla Tour Guide Association. Wittaya Saelim addressed these suggestions in a proposal recently submitted to Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul in the Hat Yai district. The proposal focused on addressing the province’s trade and tourism concerns and identifying ways to increase…
- Road deaths
Delivery worker dies after pickup crashes into Rayong restaurant
A delivery worker tragically lost his life after his pickup truck swerved and crashed into a tree before ploughing through a made-to-order restaurant in Rayong. The incident occurred at 8am yesterday, October 1, and the shop owner recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash. The accident took place at a made-to-order restaurant in Ban Nong Wa on Khao…
- Thailand News
AoT seeks extension in 11.8 million baht corruption case
Airports of Thailand (AoT) has sought additional time to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding allegations of corruption involving an 11.8 million baht (US$362,500) contract at Phuket International Airport. The contract, intended for posting stickers commemorating His Majesty The King, is under scrutiny for possible irregularities. The NACC’s Phuket office is examining budget allocation, median price determination,…
- Crime News
Mother seeks justice after teen daughter attacked in Phuket
A mother has taken action after her 13 year old daughter was lured from their home and violently attacked by seven individuals in Phuket. The 40 year old mother, reported the incident to Wichit Police, detailing that it took place around 4.30pm on September 29. According to her, the daughter, Kai, was deceived by two acquaintances, identified as Fa and…
- Bangkok News
Raid & seek: Bangkok cops bust contraband in Chinese minimarts
Police in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district recently conducted a significant raid on 10 Chinese-owned minimarts, following complaints from local businesses about the influx of contraband foreign goods. Health and anti-money laundering officials, along with local police, spearheaded the operation. The Network for Thai Entrepreneur Protection had earlier lodged a complaint asserting that these convenience stores were selling smuggled consumer goods.…
- Phuket News
Missing Thai woman found dead off Phuket’s coast
A Thai woman reported missing from Sai Kaew Beach on Phuket’s northwestern coast was found dead in the water at Tha Chatchai late yesterday afternoon. Jiraporn Onkhajorn raised the alarm to Tha Chatchai Police about her sister-in-law, Jiraporn Sararat, who had gone missing earlier in the day. Jiraporn discovered her sister-in-law’s blue Honda Scoopy motorbike, along with a pair of…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet levels flood compensation at 9,000 baht
The Thai Cabinet has revised flood victim compensation to a uniform rate of 9,000 baht per household, replacing the previous variable range of 5,000 to 9,000 baht. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting, citing the severity of the flood situation as the reason for the new compensation structure. “The government decided that all affected households…
- Thailand News
Thailand to increase minimum wage to 400 baht by year-end
Thailand’s Labour Ministry has assured the public that a minimum wage increase to 400 baht will be implemented nationwide by the end of the year, as stated by Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister. The tripartite wage committee is currently awaiting the official appointment of two new members: the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and the Director-General of the…
- Road deaths
Rocky start: Sand spill wreaks havoc at Ratchada-Tha Phra intersection
An 18-wheel truck overturned, spilling over 20 tonnes of sand and blocking traffic at the Ratchada-Tha Phra intersection. Police are clearing the site after the incident occurred early this morning. At approximately 2.50am today, October 2, Attakarn Jampanya, Deputy Inspector of Traffic at Bukkhalo Police Station, received a report about an overturned 18-wheel truck at the Ratchada-Tha Phra intersection in…
- Thailand News
RTN sails into controversy over student mistreatment claims
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) responded to allegations that students were excessively mistreated at a military training camp. Students, aged between 13 and 15, reportedly returned from the camp with injuries, prompting an urgent investigation. Rear Admiral Weerudom Muangjeen, spokesperson for the RTN, addressed the situation, which surfaced through a Facebook post by a user named Nui Icezy Jirapa. The…
- Thailand News
Slithering surprise: Python pops into Pattaya mall, sparking chaos
A bustling Pattaya City mall turned into a scene of chaos when a nearly 3-metre long python made an unexpected appearance. The incident, which occurred yesterday, September 30, at 4pm, saw the Pattaya Land Disaster Prevention Radio Centre receiving a report of a large snake spotted under a car in the mall’s parking lot on Pattaya Klang Road. Upon arrival,…
- Crime News
Disabled man in Udon Thani loses 10,000 baht to suspected scam
A disabled man from Udon Thani was reportedly scammed out of 10,000 baht from his account, leaving only 5 baht. Allegations suggest a local woman might have withdrawn the money under false pretences. Somdee Plangsi, a 63 year old resident of Ban Na Mueang Thai in Na Som, Udon Thani, along with his family members, complained to Peerayut Utchin, Deputy…
- Business News
Thai baht surge hits exporters and tourism revenues
Thailand’s exporters and tourism sector are feeling the squeeze as a rapid appreciation of the Thai baht continues to impact revenue. The central bank attributed this surge to a weak US dollar and stronger regional currencies, such as the Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen. Yesterday, September 30, the baht reached a 31-month peak at 32.235 against the US dollar, marking…
- Crime News
Fruitless bust: Cops peel back trailer to find 13 million meth pills
Highway police in Prachuap Khiri Khan intercepted a trailer truck loaded with plastic baskets purportedly carrying fruits and vegetables, only to discover 13 million methamphetamine pills. Police are now investigating the broader drug network. Yesterday, September 30, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phuttangoon Ruengtham from Highway Police Subdivision 3, Division 2, assigned Police Captain Wern Chaiyasa, along with Police Corporal Kittisak Pinket…
- Crime News
Thai police arrest two for defrauding women of 189,700 baht
Thai police apprehended two suspects in Nakhon Pathom for allegedly defrauding two women out of 189,700 baht under the pretence of providing business investment funds. The suspects, identified as 44 year old Tum Kaewmaneechot, and 27 year old Sarin, were detained by the Crime Suppression Division. Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewsuebthanyanit from Khon Kaen Police Station disclosed that the arrests followed…
- Thailand News
Baby jackpot! Pregnant woman’s home birth sparks lottery frenzy
A pregnant woman gave birth to a healthy baby boy in her rented room, prompting neighbours to seek lucky lottery numbers from the event. The birth took place at room number 51 in the Don Hua Lo subdistrict, Mueang District, Chon Buri province. Rescue workers from Thammaratanee Maneerut Foundation received an alert about the emergency and coordinated with Chon Buri…
- Thailand News
Man found dead after falling from bridge in Chumphon
A 34 year old man was found dead after falling from Municipal Bridge 4 into Logotan Canal in Chumphon. His body was discovered yesterday, September 30, alongside his motorcycle, with documents and personal items left at the scene. Police Lieutenant Supawat Chueasak, an investigator from Mueang Chumphon Police Station, received a report about the incident. The unfortunate event took place…
- Road deaths
Three killed in Rayong truck collision at construction site
A tragic accident occurred when a six-wheeled truck collided with the back of a 10-wheeled truck carrying pipes, resulting in three fatalities. The collision happened at a construction site for drainage pipes, with visibility issues likely due to unclear warning cones. At 5.30pm yesterday, September 20, Maitree Pakul, an investigator from Mueang Rayong Police Station, received a report of a…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Batten down the hatches! Thailand braces for savage storms
Thailand is on high alert as the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounds the alarm for severe weather ahead. Expect torrential downpours, raging thunderstorms, and fierce winds to lash various regions, including the bustling capital, Bangkok. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for potential flash floods and landslides. The TMD has forecasted that the upper part of Thailand will…
- Crime News
Thai police seize assets in high-profile public fraud investigation
Thai police traced a luxury car linked to the case of Kornkaknok Suwanbutr, known as Mae Tuk, confirming it remains within the country. Police also seized gold from her residence and are preparing to report the case to the Anti-Money Laundering Office to investigate the financial trail and assets involved. Police recently searched the home of Mae Tuk and Kanpon…
- Thailand News
Sweet tragedy: Woman chokes on Thai dessert
A tragic incident occurred when a woman choked on a traditional Thai dessert and died in front of a neighbour’s house. Medical professionals suspect the cause was a blockage in her airway. Yesterday, September 26, Natthawut Chantarasamut, an investigator from Ron Phibun Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, received a report of a death in front of a house…
- Business News
Thai rice export prices hit 14-month low amid weak demand
Thai rice export prices have hit a 14-month low due to subdued demand and competition from more affordable suppliers, while Indian rice prices increased slightly owing to a stronger rupee, despite weak demand from Asian and African markets. Thailand‘s benchmark 5% broken rice is now quoted at US$560 per tonne, marking its lowest price since July 20, 2023, and a…
- Tourism News
Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%
Flooding in northern Thailand has severely impacted tourism in Chiang Mai, with many visitors cancelling their plans, according to the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai. The Ping River recently reached its highest levels since 2011, causing significant flooding in Mueang Chiang Mai, including its key business and tourism districts. Outer districts, such as Mae Rim, known for its natural parks…
- Business News
Thailand to introduce carbon tax to curb emissions this year
Thailand is set to implement a carbon tax this year, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced at the Road to Net Zero 2024: The Extraordinary Green event. The Finance Ministry plans to propose the carbon tax measure to the Cabinet for approval soon, with the goal of rolling it out in the coming months. Paopoom explained that this measure aims to…
- Business News
Thailand’s manufacturing index set to drop 1% due to floods
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is projected to decline by 1% this year, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The contraction is attributed to various economic issues and the severe flooding experienced in recent months. OIE Director-General Warawan Chitaroon indicated that the best possible outcome for MPI growth is to remain flat. The office had previously adjusted its…
- Crime News
Woman robbed of car, cash and mobile phone in Chon Buri
A woman reportedly fell victim to a robbery involving her car, cash, and mobile phone in a deserted area before the suspect fled on a motorcycle. The police are investigating the case but remain sceptical about its authenticity. Around 1.36am today, September 27, Prakasit Paladech, an investigator from Huay Yai Police Station in Chon Buri, received a report of a…
- Crime News
Thai officials seize 1.6 million meth pills near Phamee border
Thai police recently arrested six hill tribe individuals for transporting 1.6 million methamphetamine pills along the Phamee border. This crackdown followed the restoration of roads previously disrupted by a landslide earlier in the month. Yesterday, September 26, Major General Praphat Pobsuwan, commander of the Phamueang Task Force, assigned Colonel Maitri Srisantia, the task force’s chief of staff, and Colonel Natee…
