- 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…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Teenager injured in Pattaya youth clash, mother demands police action
A 15 year old boy was attacked and injured after a confrontation with a rival group in Pattaya, resulting in his mother filing a police report after officers advised her to wait until he recovered. At 2.20am yesterday, September 14, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Radio Centre received a report of a violent clash among teenagers at the Mitkamol intersection…
- 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,…
- Northern Thailand News
Helicopter rescues flood victims in Chiang Rai after days without food
A helicopter from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) rescued flood victims trapped in their homes in the Mai Lung Kon community, Chiang Rai, after being stranded without food and water for several days. Yesterday, September 12, reports surfaced about the ongoing rescue efforts for residents affected by flooding in Chiang Rai province, particularly in Mae Sai and…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai student injured in playground scuffle, parents seek justice
A father reported that his son, a Year 8 student, suffered a severe knee injury after being thrown to the ground by a classmate, potentially resulting in uneven leg lengths. The family now faces increased medical expenses and loss of income due to the incident. At 6pm yesterday, September 12, reports emerged from Uthen, an 49 year old industrial machinery…
- Tourism News
Thailand plans post-flood tourism campaigns for northern provinces
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing tourism campaigns and promotions to aid affected provinces flooded in Thailand once the situation improves. Severe floods have ravaged 27 provinces, including key northern and central regions like Chiang Rai. These floods led to the cancellation of domestic flights to Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport yesterday afternoon. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool…
- Business News
Macro worries: Thai consumers feel the crunch, says PwC survey
Thai consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of macroeconomic volatility on the country’s economic outlook, with 54% expressing significant worry, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) latest survey. This prompted a shift towards spending more on essential goods. Social media has emerged as the preferred shopping channel, despite ongoing concerns about personal data leakage. The Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024:…
- Business News
Bullion on the rise: Gold takes centre stage amidst Fed rate cut
Gold prices surged over 1% to hit a record high today, driven by the anticipation of an impending interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve following signs of a slowing US economy. In early trading in New York, spot gold increased by 1.6%, reaching US$2,551.19 per ounce. Concurrently, US gold futures rose by 1.4%, settling at US$2,578.90. Thai gold selling…
- Road deaths
Delivery driver dies in crash with 18-wheeler on Highway 304
A delivery driver for a well-known company tragically collided with an 18-wheeler truck parked at a red light, resulting in his death and scattered parcels across the road. At 3.30am today, September 13, officer Thirawat Yiam-on from Kabin Buri Police Station received a report of a six-wheeled truck crashing into the rear of an 18-wheeler at the Khok Udom traffic…
- South Thailand News
King cobra causes chaos: Serpent slithers into senior’s home
A large king cobra measuring 3.5 metres was found hiding in the kitchen of a 73 year old woman’s house, prompting her to call the Southern Venomous Snake Team for assistance. The incident occurred yesterday, September 12, when Taweesak Boonsed, an official from the Southern Venomous Snake Team, received a distress call from Yingdee Suwannarat, who resides in Moo 8,…
- Business News
Thailand’s economy to see 2.5% growth in 2024, EIC forecasts
Thailand is projected to experience a soft economic landing next year, according to the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre (SCB EIC). The research centre has maintained its 2024 economic growth forecast for Thailand at 2.5% but has downgraded its 2025 outlook to 2.6%, down from previous forecasts of 2.9 to 3%. EIC chief economist Somprawin Manprasert explained that the downward…
- Crime News
Sri Nakarin Dam Park cult arrested for travel document scam
Thai police swooped to arrest several members of a peculiar long-haired Karen people cult who set up camp in Sri Nakarin Dam National Park, falsely claiming that they could issue travel documents usable in 196 countries worldwide. The operation was led by Veera Khunchairak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, alongside military and border…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Torrential trouble: Thailand braces for flood of rain until Tuesday
Heavy rain and potential flash floods have been forecasted across Thailand until Tuesday, September 17, warns the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The announcement, issued at 5pm yesterday, cautioned that several regions would experience increased rainfall and strong winds in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand. In the coming days, substantial rainfall will hit Thailand, particularly in the…
- Thailand News
Digital wallet to the rescue: PM bets on cashing in for Thailand’s economy
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly believes that the government’s policy, particularly the digital wallet handout programme, will act as a significant catalyst to regenerate the flailing economy of Thailand. This policy will be officially presented to Parliament over two days, starting tomorrow, as mandated by the constitution, before the government can begin its work. The 38 year old Paetongtarn plans…
- Thailand News
New commerce minister vows to tackle high living costs, Chinese imports
New Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan pledged immediate action to tackle high living costs, hasten free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, and tighten control over the influx of Chinese imports. Pichai, after his first day in office, expressed readiness to collaborate with deputy commerce ministers Napintorn Srisanphang and Suchat Chomklin to address the pressing need to drive Thailand’s economy during a crisis.…
- Thailand News
Boy stranded in Chiang Rai floodwaters prompts urgent rescue plea
A plea for urgent help emerged as an eight year old boy found himself stranded behind an apartment building in rising floodwaters in Chiang Rai. His aunt posted a distress call on social media, requesting immediate assistance as they had lost contact with the boy and feared for his safety. Yesterday, September 11, a reporter highlighted the severe flooding situation…
- Pattaya News
Nongprue police bust motorcycle theft gang, recover stolen bikes
Nongprue police officers successfully apprehended a gang involved in the theft of motorcycles for illegal sales last night. The operation, spearheaded by Superintendent Tawi Kutthaeng, along with Lieutenant Colonel Chumphon Saenwichai and Lieutenant Colonel Somchanok Fakphairot, culminated in the recovery of several stolen motorcycles. The arrests occurred in a cassava forest a few kilometres from the theft scene. Multiple public…
- Business News
Thailand to regulate foreign e-commerce, new rules for COD services
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is set to collaborate with various agencies to regulate foreign e-commerce platforms, according to minister Prasert Jantararuangthong. These platforms are leveraging local infrastructure and the domestic market without contributing back to the country, Prasert stated yesterday, September 11. Prasert, who also serves as a Deputy Prime Minister in the new Cabinet, mentioned…
- Business News
Thailand launches 20 billion baht fund to support struggling SMEs
Industry Minister Akanat Prompan announced plans to establish an Industrial Reform Fund worth at least 20 billion baht (US$593 million). This initiative aims to support manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in addressing liquidity challenges and enhancing their competitiveness. SMEs are currently facing significant liquidity issues and difficulties in accessing financial resources amidst intensifying competition and rapid technological advancements,…
- Thailand News
Fire at Prachinburi factory forces 600 workers to flee
A major fire broke out at a Chinese-owned factory under construction in Prachinburi, causing 600 workers to flee for their lives. The blaze began on the fourth floor, prompting the deployment of 15 fire engines to control the flames. The incident occurred at 2pm yesterday, September 11, at the Dynamic Technology Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. factory, located in Si Maha…
- Crime News
Vocational students attack peers over girl, leading to arrests
Nine vocational students attacked two high school students with knives, causing injuries while they were waiting for a bus. Other students screamed and fled in terror. Within an hour, the police had apprehended all involved, citing a dispute over a girl as the reason. At 7.30pm, yesterday, September 11, officers from Khlong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani province, including…