- Crime News
Online gambling crackdown: Police bet big, net 400 million baht
Police swooped on a major online gambling network, resulting in the arrest of two key figures and the seizure of assets worth over 400 million baht. The operation, named Shutdown, targeted the Askmepay and Hengpay payment systems implicated in the illegal activities. At 10.30am yesterday, July 16, police officials announced the successful raid on three locations in Bangkok. The operation…
- Crime News
School van driver found brutally murdered in Pathum Thani
The grisly murder of a school van driver took place yesterday, with the victim nearly decapitated and several of his fingers severed. Police are currently pursuing the suspect, who was last heard calling out a name. Police Lieutenant Thanasorn Chaemchoi of Lam Luk Ka Police Station at 8am yesterday, July 16, received a report of a murder at a house…
- Phuket News
Fire ravages Karon Night Plaza, damages exceed 43 million baht
A devastating fire at Karon Night Plaza over the weekend ravaged 20 shops, causing damage exceeding 43 million baht, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee confirmed. The blaze erupted early morning on July 13, primarily affecting seafood and clothing stalls. Firefighters were alerted to the scene at approximately 11.40pm on July 12 night and continued battling the flames into the early hours…
- Phuket News
Phuket cleanup in full swing after storm wreaks havoc
Teams of workers are diligently clearing debris across Phuket after a severe storm struck the island overnight. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the storm brought intense rain and winds reaching up to 68 kilometres per hour, causing significant disruption. The municipalities of Wichit and Thepkrasattri confirmed that several trees were uprooted, minor flooding occurred, and there was damage…
- Thailand News
Thailand undecided between Swedish Gripen and US F-16 jets
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the government remains undecided on whether to select the Swedish-made Gripen or the US-made F-16 for the Royal Thai Air Force‘s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project. Details of the required offset policy from Saab AB and Lockheed Martin, manufacturers of the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72 respectively, are still pending, according to…
- Transport News
BEM wins 140 billion baht Orange Line western route project
Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) received Cabinet approval to kick off the Orange Line’s western route project, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday. The Orange Line transit system will link the Bang Khun Non-district with the Min Buri district via a 35.9-kilometre network of underground and elevated rail sections. This includes a 13.4-kilometre western route from Bang Khun Non…
- Road deaths
Motorcyclist killed in collision with wild elephant in Chachoengsao
A tragic incident occurred when a couple on a motorcycle collided with a wild elephant late at night, resulting in the husband’s death and the wife’s injury. The woman, still in shock, reported having no memory of the event. Phanom Rescue Radio Centre received a distress call yesterday at 11pm about a fatal elephant attack in Ang Rue Nai Forest,…
- Tourism News
Thai tourism must shift to supply-driven strategy for 2025, says TAT
The Thai tourism industry must adopt a supply-driven strategy to enhance its competitiveness, according to the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT outlined its marketing direction for 2025, aiming to increase revenue by 7.5% from 2024, targeting 39 million foreign arrivals and 205 million domestic trips. This figure is a revision from the 220 million…
- Business News
Thailand launches retirement lottery to boost savings for low-income earners
The Cabinet has introduced a new savings initiative for low-income individuals titled the retirement lottery, which offers enticing prizes to encourage saving. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced the Cabinet’s approval of this measure, aimed at bolstering savings under the National Savings Fund (NSF) through the Retirement Savings Lottery project. The NSF will amend relevant sections of its Act to…
- Pattaya News
Transformer explosion traps tourist in Pattaya condo elevator
An electrical transformer explosion late last night at 11.30pm caused significant disruption at a luxury condominium in Pattaya. The incident, yesterday, July 16, left a young female foreign tourist trapped inside an elevator for over 20 minutes. The condominium, situated in Soi 16, Na Kluea, Banglamung District, Chon Buri Province, stands eight floors tall. Residents and condo officials quickly mobilised…
- Crime News
Teen reports assault by intruder in her bedroom
A 17 year old girl reported to the police that a 27 year old man entered her bedroom and assaulted her while she was sleeping. The suspect, who initially claimed he entered the house to commit theft, denied the accusation of assault. The incident took place yesterday, July 10, when the girl, referred to as A, woke up at 5am…
- Thailand News
Elderly woman with dementia found dead near Chai Nat home
An 87 year old woman with dementia was tragically found dead after wandering away from her home in Mueang Chai Nat District. Despite the family’s two-day search, her body was discovered only 100 metres from her residence. Phan Niamprayoon, who suffered from memory loss, went missing around noon yesterday, July 10, from her home in Hat Tha Sao Subdistrict. Her family…
- Crime News
Senior officer arrested for aiding fraud and fake ID issuance
Police apprehended Lieutenant Colonel M. at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters for aiding state officials in committing fraud and facilitating the issuance of fake identification cards to foreign nationals. Today, July 11, Phumwisal Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), directed Manatsanan Charancharoenpong, Director of PACC Region 3, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Kamlueng, Director of the…
- Thailand News
Missing hiker found safe after seven days in Phu Soi Dao
A tourist who went missing for seven days after hiking Phu Soi Dao has been found in good health. The 27 year old missing tourist reunited with his family, who embraced him in tears of joy. He is currently under medical observation. Thanwarit Matima was reported missing after he registered with Phu Soi Dao National Park officials on July 4…
- Crime News
Man kidnaps wife at gunpoint, police rescue ends in fatal shootout
A man kidnapped his wife at gunpoint, fleeing across districts to hide at a friend’s hut. Police surrounded the location, leading to a shootout that resulted in one fatality. Police officers in Chiang Rai collaborated to rescue a hostage yesterday, July 10. Under the command of Manop Senakul, Santi Kongsamak, and Pipat Naradet, the operation was executed with precision. The…
- Business News
Thailand woos Saudi investors with EV sector opportunities
Thai officials are set to attract Saudi Arabian entrepreneurs to invest in Thailand’s S-curve industries, particularly following their interest in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Efforts to promote Thailand to potential investors will take place during a roadshow in Saudi Arabia, while also supporting Thai businesses aiming to expand into the Middle East, according to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the…
- Business News
Thailand vehicle sales plummet 24% as debt pressures rise
Thailand’s vehicle market faces a challenging 2024 as initial optimism fades amid weaker-than-expected sales and increasing debt pressures. Vehicle sales in Thailand declined sharply by 24% year-on-year in the first four months, totalling only 46,738 units, according to the Asean Automotive Federation (Asean Autofed). This marks a significant drop from the 59,530 units sold during the same period in 2023.…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rains and flash flood warnings issued for Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rains and potential flash floods across most regions of the country, with Bangkok expected to experience rain in 60% of its area. The TMD forecasts that the southwest monsoon will cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, creating conditions ripe for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in certain…
- Crime News
Japanese national arrested in Bangkok
Bangkok police arrested a Japanese national involved in a transnational crime syndicate. The 30 year old suspect had overstayed his visa and allegedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend. The investigation began when a Thai woman filed a police report accusing her ex-boyfriend, Ichiro, of assault and unlawful detention. Police learned that Ichiro frequently sent threatening messages, including photos of firearms…
- Crime News
Bang Lamung police seize 3kg meth and firearm in drug bust
Bang Lamung police apprehended a suspected drug dealer yesterday, confiscating 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and a firearm. The operation, led by Superintendent Police Colonel Navin Sinthurat, involved Chon Buri administrative officials and anti-drug officers. Police conducted a sting operation targeting Saran Mankit, also known as Mike, a 34 year old resident of Kamphaeng Phet province. The arrest took place at…
- Thailand News
Thailand restricts 10,000-baht handout use for phones, electronics
Recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht handout will be restricted from using the digital cash to purchase mobile phones, electrical appliances, or electronic devices. This decision was announced by officials yesterday. A government sub-committee, led by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, placed these items on a negative list to ensure the funds are spent at small shops rather than large department…
- Crime News
Thai police apprehend 16 Myanmar migrants and four smugglers
Sixteen illegal migrants from Myanmar and four Thai smugglers were apprehended early today after the migrants were found crammed into a pickup truck at a drug checkpoint in Phayuha Khiri district, Nakhon Sawan. Drug suppression police, stationed at the checkpoint, flagged down a black pickup with Bangkok licence plates around 1am. Acting on information that two suspected vehicles were travelling…
- South Thailand News
Armed men disguised as soldiers raid Yala villages, steal firearms
Armed men disguised as soldiers and rangers executed a series of robberies targeting village headmen and defence volunteers in Yala‘s southern border province last night, making off with several firearms. Around 8.30pm, July 9, approximately 10 armed men with covered faces, dressed like soldiers, stormed a defence volunteer station in Ban Krong Pinang, Krong Pinang district. They seized a shotgun…
- Thailand News
Engineer found dead in car at Phetchaburi petrol station
A petrol station worker was shocked to find an engineer from a well-known company dead inside his car parked in front of the restroom. Police quickly arrived to investigate, suspecting a health condition as the cause of death. At around 9.27am today, July 10, Sunanta Rodpetch, an investigating officer from Phetchaburi City Police Station, received a report of an unconscious…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok woman falls to death from condo amid debt struggle
A 37 year old executive secretary tragically fell to her death from the 14th floor of a condominium in the Bang Sue area. Police initiated an investigation, with initial reports suggesting the woman suffered from severe depression. Police received a report of a woman falling to her death at a condominium in Bang Sue, Bangkok, early today, July 10, at…
- Thailand News
Man found hanging from high-voltage pole in Nakhon Ratchasima
A well-dressed man was found hanging from a high-voltage electricity pole, shocking a local vendor who witnessed the scene. He appeared despondent, drinking soda alone, said the vendor. At 8am today, July 10, Aditep Tangkrothok, Deputy Inspector of Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, received a report of a suicide in front of a convenience store in the city’s municipal area. Upon…
- Crime News
Ex-husband shoots wife’s new partner in Phatthalung market attack
A violent incident involving a recently released ex-husband occurred in Phatthalung province today. The ex-husband, using a gun, forced his ex-wife’s new husband out of a vehicle and shot him. The ex-wife recounted previous violent behaviour, including an acid attack. At 5.45am today, Kasama Pojchanasanti, a duty officer at Tamod Police Station in Phatthalung, received a report of a shooting…
- Thailand News
Giant python makes ‘withdrawal’ from ATM, sparks chaos
A massive python caused quite a stir when it was found inside an ATM at a local bank. Rescue workers had to carefully dismantle the machine to capture the snake, sparking a flurry of online jokes and comments. The incident unfolded when a giant python was discovered hiding inside an ATM. Footage shared on Facebook by the Guysit rescue team…
- Crime News
Thai man tortured by Chinese gang in Cambodia trafficking ordeal
A plea for help has emerged from a Thai victim ensnared by a Chinese trafficking gang, lured to work on a stock trading website in Poipet. After attempting to escape, he was caught and tortured with electric shocks. Many Thais have been similarly deceived. A reporter was contacted for assistance by a human trafficking victim hiding from a grey Chinese…
- Business News
CIMB Thai Bank predicts BoT policy rate cut to 1.5% by 2025
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) predicts a significant reduction in the Bank of Thailand’s policy rate by one percentage point between December and next year, aligning with anticipated cuts in the US policy rate. Amonthep Chawla, the bank’s chief economist, stated that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to reduce the policy rate by 0.25 percentage points in December, bringing…
