- Thailand Weather Updates
Thai-ing up the rain: Bangkok braces for a downpour of showers
Thailand faces widespread rainfall today, with heavy showers expected in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. This weather pattern affects 38 provinces, excluding the northeastern region, which experiences cooler morning temperatures. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts for the next 24 hours show significant rainfall in the western parts of the northern and central regions, the east, and the south. Cooler…
- Business News
Thai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat
Thailand’s leading business group called for an urgent reduction in interest rates, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of a rapidly appreciated baht on exports. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) chairman, Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the urgency for the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to adjust rates, aligning with the government’s repeated calls for monetary easing. Markets…
- Economy News
Penny-wise, pound foolish: Thailand’s budget delay leaves fiscal year in arrears
The Government of Thailand’s delayed budget approval led to significant underinvestment in the previous fiscal year, according to the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD). The state budget for the fiscal year is divided into a fixed fund and an investment fund. For fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, the fixed fund amounted to 2.8 trillion baht (US$84 billion), covering expenses…
- Thailand News
Shocking turn: Lightning bolt transforms military unit into hot spot
Lightning struck a transformer, causing an explosion and subsequent fire at a military unit building in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The old wooden structure sustained damage but fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported. The incident occurred at the Explosives Factory Division, Ordnance Industry Centre, Ordnance Department of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), located in Ban Ko subdistrict, Mueang…
- Thailand News
Thailand introduces three-digit lottery tickets to combat overpricing
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is set to release three-digit lottery tickets this month to address the persistent issues of overpricing and black-market ticket sales, board member Thanavath Phonvichai announced. The initiative aims to enable Thais to purchase lottery tickets at a price not exceeding 80 baht (US$2.5), according to Thanavath. For decades, the office has struggled to mitigate the…
- Business News
Driving change: Thai tax breaks on cars for the elderly, disabled
The Excise Department is set to introduce a new ministerial regulation to waive taxes on cars designed specifically for the elderly or people with disabilities. This regulation would reduce the current excise tax rate of 25 to 40% on such vehicles. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the department, explained that vehicles with over 10 seats, such as passenger vans, are currently…
- Business News
Thailand to go cashless by 2028, leads ASEAN in RTP usage
Thailand is set to transition to a cashless society more swiftly than its regional counterparts, driven by the nation’s rapid digital adoption and transformation, as per a Visa survey. Visa, a global leader in digital payment services, recently conducted the Consumer Payment Attitude Study, which indicated that Thailand could become a cashless society by 2028. This forecast places Thailand ahead…
- Thailand News
Thai PM orders embassy to evacuate nationals amid Israel-Iran tensions
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv to vigilantly monitor the security situation in Israel, provide updates to Thai nationals residing there, and facilitate their evacuation if necessary. This directive came yesterday in response to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran responded to missile attacks by the state after Israel claimed they were targeting Hezbollah…
- Thailand News
Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection
The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour. The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government…
- Thailand News
Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) aims to resolve disputes over 75,000 square metres of forest land by 2026, as announced during its 22nd anniversary celebration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on addressed the ongoing conflicts between the DNP, other government agencies, and residents regarding the forest boundaries. He emphasised the need to find solutions…
- Crime News
Lotto a trouble: Woman caught betting big on Facebook
Police apprehended a young woman for posting advertisements for Lao lottery sales on Facebook, with bets reaching 30,000 baht per draw. She forwarded these bets to a major bookie, earning a 20% commission over the past six months. Yesterday, October 2, police officials, led by Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, Bancha Srisuk, and Thapakorn Hanumart, executed a search warrant at a residence in…
- Thailand News
Udon Thani man rescued from roof after drug-induced hallucinations
Police managed to rescue a man experiencing drug-induced hallucinations, who climbed onto his roof and refused to come down. The man, who had been in this state for several days, was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment. At 11.30am yesterday, October 2, Deputy Inspector Wichaneth Suetrong and his team were patrolling their area when they received a report about…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand is about to be drenched as heavy rain hits 54 provinces
Thailand is bracing for a deluge today, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounding the alarm for a staggering 54 provinces. Heavy rain is set to drench Bangkok and its surrounding areas, while the central region is looking at a whopping 80% chance of rainfall, and the north isn’t far behind with a 70% prediction! The TMD warns that…
- 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…
- Business News
Strong baht, flooding impact Thailand’s tourism market deficit with Japan
The appreciation of the baht and severe flooding have emerged as pivotal factors for Thailand’s tourism industry, particularly with the High Season fast approaching. The final quarter is crucial in determining if Thailand can rebalance its tourism market deficit with Japan, which outperformed Thailand last year. By August, 706,500 Thais had visited Japan, while 668,221 Japanese tourists had travelled to…
- 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…
- South Thailand News
Thailand to withdraw military from southern provinces by 2027
Thailand plans to withdraw military forces from the nation’s southernmost provinces by 2027, with a focus on bolstering volunteer forces in the region. The Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly train these volunteer forces. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao were present at the ceremony.…
- 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…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Raining on Bangkok’s parade: An 80% chance of downpour
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather across Thailand, predicting heavy rains in 80% of Bangkok and surrounding areas, with a high risk of flash floods and landslides. The TMD forecasts that the upper regions of Thailand will experience unstable weather conditions over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain are expected…
- 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
Thailand’s household debt dips to 89.6% of GDP in Q2
Thailand’s household debt saw a slight decline in the second quarter as banks tightened lending practices to mitigate bad loans, and borrowers hastened debt repayments amidst the highest interest rates in a decade. Data released by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) yesterday, September 30, revealed that nationwide household debt, as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), stood at 89.6%…
- 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…
