- 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
Powering on: Thailand energy plan sparks a 2.9 trillion baht boost
Thailand’s new National Energy Plan (NEP) aims to drive significant investment and promote clean energy, with a projected 2.9 trillion baht in capital spending over the next 13 years. Central to this initiative is the emphasis on solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The NEP 2024, scheduled for implementation from this year until 2037, integrates a comprehensive power development…
- 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…
- 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 Weather Updates
Monsoon brings heavy rain to central, eastern, southern Thailand
Weather conditions for today see a monsoon trough passing through central, eastern, and southern regions, including Bangkok, bringing rain to 60% of the area with heavy showers in some places. Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously due to high waves. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that for the next 24 hours, the monsoon trough will move across the upper…
- 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…
- 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 stock market sees a ‘baht’ of foreign interest
Foreign investors have increased their holdings of Thai shares by 1.37% in the first eight months of 2024, reaching a total of 5.18 trillion baht, based on data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This rise highlights the growing interest in the technology, financial, and services sectors. By August 2024, foreign investors held over 5.18 trillion baht (US$155 billion)…
- 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
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…
- Crime News
Ink-redible heist: Chon Buri tattoo shop duped by fake cop
A tattoo shop owner in Chon Buri fell victim to a man impersonating a police officer, losing gold and valuable amulets worth 300,000 baht. The imposter, claiming to be a lieutenant from the Crime Suppression Division, exploited the owner’s trust by pretending to suffer from depression. Yesterday, October 15, journalists visited the tattoo shop in Ban Kao subdistrict, Phan Thong…
- 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…
- Road deaths
Late-night LPG truck crash in Bang Pakong causes major damage
A late-night accident involving an LPG gas truck colliding with a parked pickup truck caused significant damage but no injuries or fatalities. The incident occurred around 11pm yesterday, October 15, in front of Burapha Village in Bang Wua, Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province. Police from the Bang Pakong Police Station were promptly notified and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival,…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thai skies are falling: It’s raining cats and temperatures
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a warning about heavy rain and cool temperatures affecting various parts of Thailand. Thirty-eight provinces, including Bangkok, are expected to experience significant rainfall, with the capital seeing rain in 60% of its area. TMD’s forecast for the next 24 hours highlights that easterly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture from the South China…
- Phuket News
Lost Italian tourist rescued after night in Phuket jungle
An Italian tourist thanked local officials for their efforts after launching a search to find him when he got lost in the jungle near Nai Yang Beach, Phuket. Tomas Garcia Martin, a 34 year old Italian national, found himself disoriented during a fishing trip on October 13. Realising his predicament, he contacted the Pullman Naithon Hotel, where he was staying,…
- Thailand News
Phuket aims for 500 billion baht tourism boost with new initiatives
Phuket aims to boost its tourism revenue to 500 billion baht in the latter half of this year by implementing policies targeted at high-end tourists. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), announced the revised revenue goal, which had previously been set at 420 billion baht (US$12.6 billion). He emphasised that the new target underscores Phuket’s potential…
- Crime News
Thai health officials charge fake doctor over illegal clinic
Thai health officials have taken legal action against Thananon Hiranchaiwan, also known as Boss Doctor Ek, for falsely claiming to be a medical doctor and operating a clinic without proper authorisation. Earlier today, the Health Ministry, led by Assistant Minister Thanakrit Jitrariyaprat, along with Ittiporn Kanacharoen, Secretary-General of the Medical Council, and Panawat Panket, Director-General of the Department of Health…
- Thailand News
Firefighters prevent explosion at Nakhon Ratchasima restaurant
A dramatic incident unfolded in Nakhon Ratchasima when a gas cylinder caught fire at a restaurant near a renowned university. Firefighters quickly intervened, preventing an explosion and containing the blaze before it could spread. Firefighters were alerted to a fire at a restaurant in front of Rajamangala University of Technology Isaan. Responding to the call promptly, they arrived on the…
- Thailand News
Upcoming lottery draw sparks excitement with new lucky numbers
The upcoming lottery draw tomorrow, October 16, is generating buzz with various sources revealing their lucky numbers. Here’s a compilation of the most talked-about numbers for the next draw. A crane lifted the statue of Thao Wessuwan in Rayong, followed by the loud noise of firecrackers. Once the firecrackers were silenced, locals rushed to check the numbers on the firecracker…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand to keep rates steady amid US Fed caution
Analysts predict the Bank of Thailand will maintain its policy rate during its meeting tomorrow, citing a recovering domestic economy and potential changes in US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts if inflation revives. Chaiyot Jiwangkul, head of research at Krungsri Securities (KSS), attributed the economic rebound to increasing tourist arrivals, government budget disbursements, and a 10,000-baht (US$300) cash handout to…
- Thailand News
Brake-ing bad: Car turns ambulance trip into road rage drama
A viral video captures a white sedan dangerously cutting off an ambulance twice before abruptly braking, causing distress to the patient, medical staff, and relatives inside. Yesterday, October 14, a Facebook user named Makeke Steiker posted a plea to identify the driver of a white Toyota CH-R sedan. The incident occurred yesterday between 3.05am and 3.10am. The TNB Ambulance, carrying…
- Road deaths
Motorcyclist dies in crash with parked forklift in Ratchaburi
A tragic accident occurred when a man riding a motorcycle collided with a parked forklift, resulting in his death. His wife and seven year old daughter sustained injuries. The forklift’s owner had not placed warning signs on the road. Police officer Theerawat Athornsirirat from Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station received a report of a motorcycle collision with a forklift, resulting in…
- Crime News
Husband accidentally shoots wife in Nakhon Si Thammarat, flees
A tragic incident occurred in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where a husband accidentally discharged a firearm, resulting in the death of his wife. He sought help from neighbours before fleeing on a motorcycle. Police are urgently pursuing the suspect and investigating the cause. Police reported that the incident took place yesterday, October 14. Phongwut Wutipong, an investigator at Ron Phibun Police…
- Crime News
Human skeletal remains found along Ratchaburi canal road
Police in Ratchaburi province are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains along a canal road, believed to belong to an individual who may have died unnoticed and whose body was later disturbed by animals. The remains were found yesterday near Wat Baan Mai I Chang in Bang Phae district. Police Lieutenant Santi Nuchuay of Bang Phae Police Station received…
- Thailand News
Sattahip squad busts a gamble of gals in illegal gaming ring
Police in Sattahip arrested a group of Thai women for illegal gambling after receiving a tip-off from concerned citizens. The women were caught playing Pok Deng behind a local restaurant near the Bang Saray Night Market. Police responded immediately to the report and apprehended four women. Evidence seized at the scene included a deck of Pok Deng cards, 240 baht…
- Thailand News
Hippo hooray! Sisaket zoo celebrates new exotic addition
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Zoo in Sisaket yesterday joyfully welcomed a new member to its family of exotic animals—a hippopotamus calf. Veterinarians have not yet determined the gender of the calf, as the protective mother is keeping them at a distance from her newborn conceived at 6am, yesterday, October 13. Following the announcement of the calf’s birth, the zoo experienced…