- 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
ETDA plugs in: Powering up Thailand’s digital economy for 2024
Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) unveiled plans to further its role as a co-creation regulator and promoter next year, aiming to boost the digital economy’s value and generate positive social impact. The ETDA intends to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure, focusing on promoting e-document management, improving governance of digital platform services, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for good governance…
- 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…
- 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:…
- Thailand News
Storm’s parking wrecks: Cars crushed, power out near Phra Nang Klao Hospital
A heavy storm caused the roof of a commercial building’s parking area to collapse, damaging several vehicles and cutting off electricity near Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Emergency teams are working to clear debris and restore power. A severe thunderstorm wreaked havoc yesterday evening, causing significant damage to a commercial building’s parking area in Nonthaburi. At around 7.30pm, the strong winds…
- 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…
- 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
Fake cops on patrol: Scammers spark surge in police calls
Scammers posing as police officers have been targeting residents, leading to a surge in calls to the Nonthaburi City Police Station over the past day. The callers, impersonating law enforcement officers, claimed to need to verify bank accounts, causing confusion and concern among the public. Residents have been receiving calls from individuals falsely identifying themselves as Lieutenant Anchalee and Lieutenant…
- 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
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.…
- Business News
Mid-priced hotels in Thailand struggle amid price-sensitive tourists
Hotels in the mid-priced and budget segments in Thailand faced significant challenges in maintaining room and occupancy rates in August, as tourists remained sensitive to prices. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that while the average occupancy rate for hotels nationwide improved to 61.8% from 58.4% year-on-year, it still fell short of the pre-pandemic rate of…
- 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 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,…
- Business News
Japan sees record tourist arrivals, Thai visitors surge
Tourist arrivals to Japan have surged to record levels, with over three million visitors per month from March to July this year. Despite the sweltering heat in July, Japan attracted 3.29 million tourists, marking a 41.9% year-on-year increase, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organisation. Among these visitors, Thai tourists ranked fifth, with 671,810 arrivals. Japan has been a…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Body of missing teen found in Lampang reservoir
A tragic discovery was made yesterday when the body of a teenage man was found floating in a reservoir. Rescue teams were deployed after villagers noticed his motorbike parked nearby. Yesterday, September 11, news broke that the body of 19 year old Phubet, was recovered from Huai Bok Reservoir in Ban Pong Pradu, Serm Ngam district, Lampang province. Locals, assisted…
- Crime News
Thai police arrest delivery rider for phone theft, uncover past crimes
Thai police apprehended a delivery rider accused of snatching a woman’s mobile phone, revealing a history of four prior criminal charges in Uttaradit. Officers from Phayathai Police Station received a report from a female victim on August 24 that a thief had stolen her white iPhone 8 Plus on Banthadthong Road near Chang Hotel in Phetchaburi, Bangkok. Investigations led by…
- Thailand News
Mae Sot floods: Three days of rain cause severe damage
Heavy rainfall has pounded Mae Sot for three consecutive days and nights, causing the Moei River to overflow and flood homes, submerging entire cars. Landslides have also blocked the Mae Sot-Tak highway, exacerbating the situation further. Continuous rainfall for three days and nights has wreaked havoc in Tak province’s five border districts, leading to flash floods pouring into the Moei…
- Northern Thailand News
Man trapped on rooftop tent in Mae Sai amid strong currents
A man has been trapped on a rooftop tent in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai for nine hours due to strong water currents. Efforts to rescue him with a jet ski were unsuccessful, prompting ongoing attempts to save him. Yesterday, September 10, a Facebook page named แอน แม่สายมหานคร broadcasted live footage of a man stuck on the roof…
- Thailand News
IT technician loses job, vision after Bangkok hospital misdiagnosis
An IT technician has lost her job and suffered partial blindness following an alleged misdiagnosis at a private hospital in Bangkok. Sasinan (surname withheld) turned to the Sai Mai Tong Rot relief and emergency Facebook page to seek support. On June 18, Sasinan developed a red eye and sore throat. The following day, she took over-the-counter medication, which failed to…
- Road deaths
Family pleads for justice after Pattaya hit-and-run tragedy
A tragic hit-and-run incident in Pattaya left a family grieving and seeking justice after a 56 year old woman was fatally struck by a pickup truck. The driver fled the scene, leaving the victim in critical condition, leading to her eventual death. On the morning of September 4, 56 year old Somphat Saensainet, was severely injured after being struck by…
- Crime News
Former Olympian demands justice from RTA over adultery case
A former national shooting team member sought justice from the Royal Thai Army (RTA) after winning a lawsuit against her husband for adultery with a female sergeant. Despite filing a disciplinary complaint nine months ago, progress has stalled. At 10.30am today, September 10, former national shooting athlete, 50 year old Jarintorn Daengpiam, addressed a press conference at the coordination centre…
- Crime News
Police investigate death of elderly man at Samut Songkhram facility
Police are urgently investigating the discovery of an 84 year old man, found with a stab wound in his abdomen, at a coconut sugar boiling facility in Samut Songkhram. The man, who had a history of psychiatric treatment, was discovered yesterday evening, September 9. Police received a report about the incident at 6pm yesterday. Chaiyachet Duangrat, Deputy Inspector at Bang…
- Business News
Baht volatility surpasses regional currencies amid US rate cut speculation
The baht has shown notable volatility against the US dollar, surpassing its regional counterparts primarily due to market expectations of a US policy rate cut and Thailand’s substantial gold imports. Year-to-date, the baht’s volatility rate is 7.3%, just below the Korean won’s 7.4%. However, it exceeds other regional currencies, with the Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah at 5.5%, the Philippine…
- Crime News
Four arrested for kidnapping Udon Thani woman over 200,000 baht debt
Four criminals were apprehended after kidnapping a 54 year old woman in Udon Thani, Thailand, demanding a ransom to settle a long-standing debt. The suspects were captured by police in a forest near Wat Tham Sai Bat. A group of four people kidnapped the woman, Tim, from her home in Chai Wan district, Udon Thani province, and demanded a ransom…
