- Thailand News
Naga fireballs light up Mekong River in Nong Khai spectacle
Fireballs over the Mekong River thrilled spectators yesterday, as the first pair of Naga fireballs lit up the sky in Nong Khai province at 6.30pm. The much-anticipated phenomenon drew crowds to Ban Tan Chum in the Rattanawapi district. Visitors gathered in large numbers at Ban Tan Chum, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Naga fireballs, and were not disappointed. The…
- 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
Thailand, US bolster trade ties with focus on high-tech investments
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and US Ambassador Robert F. Godec yesterday engaged in discussions focusing on trade tariffs and investment in high-tech sectors, aiming for strategic alignment. During their meeting yesterday, October 17, Pichai emphasised that the talks were crucial for establishing a strategic partnership and bolstering economic ties between Thailand and the US, enhancing both bilateral and investment relations.…
- 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 News
Interest peaked: Thailand banks on MPK rate cut to boost economy
The Government of Thailand believes the recent reduction in the policy interest rate by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will positively impact the economy. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavichir stated that the decrease was anticipated and would help alleviate financial burdens. Yesterday, October 16, at 9.30am, Pichai addressed the media at the Government House regarding the MPC’s…
- 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’…
- Thailand News
Thailand unveils 110 billion baht economic recovery plan
Thailand’s government rolled out a comprehensive economic recovery initiative, aiming to inject up to 110 billion baht into the economy by supporting small businesses through collaborations with major corporations. This campaign, running from September to January, encompasses three main strategies: reducing expenses, generating income, and creating opportunities. The focus is primarily on small operators, who constitute 90% of the country’s…
- 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
Sky’s the limit: TC Space Connect orbits to victory in satellite bid
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has selected TC Space Connect, a subsidiary of Thaicom, as the winning bidder for the two remaining satellite orbit packages. This decision follows an extensive review by the bid selection committee, which concluded that TC Space Connect was the sole contender for the licences. NBTC’s timeline was slated yesterday, October 16, for finalising…
- 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 News
Mae Ya Krathong Shrine draws crowds for lucky lottery numbers
Residents flocked to the Mae Ya Krathong Shrine, a century-old sacred site, to seek lucky lottery numbers using the innocent touch of children to draw numbers from an urn. This time, the numbers drawn coincidentally matched popular ones, sparking hope for big wins. The Mae Ya Krathong Shrine, located under the shade of an ancient Krathong tree at the foot…
- 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 SMEs to receive 1.9 billion baht support fund
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan is advancing initiatives to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in mitigating financial pressures and enhancing their technological capabilities to remain competitive. The Industry Ministry’s broader objective is to reform Thailand’s manufacturing sector, according to Akanat. To this end, the ministry plans to provide financial aid through its SME development fund, aiming to alleviate the financial…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
A 63 year old man saved from choking on meatball in Pattaya
A 63 year old man narrowly escaped death after a meatball became lodged in his throat. His grandson quickly called the emergency services, who managed to dislodge the meatball by performing CPR before rushing him to the hospital. At 4.30pm, yesterday, October 15, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya received a distress call from a village in…
- 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…
