- Crime News
Police seize 250kg of crystal meth worth 100 million baht
Police in Surat Thani arrested four individuals and seized 250 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a container truck during a routine search in Tha Chang district. The drugs, intended for export, were concealed in fertiliser sacks beneath baskets of fruit and had an estimated street value of 100 million baht (US$3 million). Highway officers searched 4pm on September 6…
- Thailand News
1,000 protest in Phrae over 200-billion-baht Kaeng Suea Ten Dam plan
Approximately 1,000 residents gathered in Phrae to protest against the Pheu Thai Party’s plan to revive the contentious Kaeng Suea Ten Dam project in Song district. The demonstrators assembled in tambon Sa Lab, carrying three coffins inscribed with the names of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, and Former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop…
- Crime News
Ex-navy officer arrested in Bangkok for 20 years of unlicensed medical practice
A 55 year old former navy officer has been apprehended in Bangkok for practicing medicine without a valid licence for the past two decades. Thanaboon was detained at a clinic on Phetchaburi Soi 31 in the Ratchathewi district on September 6, according to the Metropolitan Police Bureau. This arrest stemmed from a complaint by a local regarding a group of…
- Crime News
Manhunt underway after wife found dead with severe head injury
Police are searching for a man suspected of brutally killing his wife with a hammer, leaving her body in their apartment for five days before neighbours discovered it. The incident occurred in an unnamed apartment complex in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district. Police received a report at 7pm yesterday, September 7, and Deputy Inspector Sarayut Santat of Bang Khun Thian Police…
- Business News
Thai stocks hit 18-month high as baht rallies post new govt formation
Thai stocks surged to their highest levels since March last year, with the baht also experiencing a significant rally. This boost in financial markets follows the formation of the new government, sparking optimism over policy continuity. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index rose by as much as 2.9%, driven by gains in the packaging, information and technology, and petrochemical…
- Business News
Floods drive August inflation up 0.35% due to rising food prices
Rising prices of fresh vegetables and fruit, influenced by flood-damaged production areas, have driven up inflation by 0.35% in August. Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, reported that headline inflation in August saw a 0.35% year-on-year increase. The surge in food prices, particularly fresh vegetables and fruit, was primarily due to flooding in agricultural regions,…
- Road deaths
Fatal car crash on Wat Phra Dhammakaya bridge leaves one dead
A tragic car accident occurred on the bridge over the Wat Phra Dhammakaya intersection, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The incident involved multiple vehicles, with a white Honda and a black Mazda 2 colliding before another Mazda 2 was also hit. At 12.05am today, September 6, Kriengkrai Sri Mai, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, received a…
- Crime News
Jealous bus driver steals taxi to spy on girlfriend, gets arrested
A driver from bus Line 8, driven by jealousy after his girlfriend took leave to visit her hometown, stole a taxi to spy on her and was subsequently apprehended by the police. The 25 year old pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibility for his four year old child. Yesterday, September 5, police officers, including Kanthaphon Wanna, Niwet Nilwadee, and Setthawut…
- Crime News
Thai police arrest major Kamphaeng Phet loan shark
Thai cyber police arrested a major loan shark in Kamphaeng Phet after debtors reported him for charging exorbitant interest rates and threatening them. Borrowers were subjected to interest rates of 16,000 baht per day, leading to fear and harassment. The arrest of the loan shark, Pallop, took place yesterday, September 5, when Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha ordered a raid…
- Thailand News
Fishermen reel in CPF with 2.4 billion baht ‘tilapia’ suit
Local fishermen in Samut Songkhram filed a lawsuit with Bangkok South Civil Court against Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), seeking over 2.4 billion baht (US$71.6 million) in compensation for damages caused by the uncontrolled spread of blackchin tilapia in the province. Panya Tokthong, a member of the Upper Gulf of Thailand Preservation Network and Mae Klong Community Lovers Network, led the…
- Transport News
Nine railway projects worth 661 billion baht set for Cabinet approval
Nine railway projects totalling 661 billion baht (US$19.7 billion) in investment are set for Cabinet approval next month, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. Among these is the 357-kilometre second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train system. Six of the nine projects are double-track rail routes requiring 298 billion baht (US$8.9 billion). These routes include the 285-kilometre Paknam Pho-Den…
- Thailand News
Fire at Samut Sakhon recycling factory triggers urgent evacuation
A fierce fire at a recycling factory in Samut Sakhon has raged for over three hours, prompting urgent evacuation of nearby residents. The fire, which started at 2am today, September 6, continues to spread and has already caused significant damage to the facility. Firefighters are battling a large blaze at a recycling factory in Moo 6, Bang Ya Phraek subdistrict,…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai restaurant gas explosion leaves one seriously injured
A gas explosion at a cook-to-order restaurant in Chiang Mai’s Chang Phueak area resulted in a devastating fire, leaving one person seriously injured. Emergency services are investigating the incident that caused significant property damage. Yesterday, September 5, at 1.45pm, a fire broke out at a restaurant in the Santitham neighbourhood, located in Soi Ratchaphruek, Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang…
- Crime News
Thai police arrest two for smuggling 10 Chinese immigrants
Police in Mukdahan province arrested two Thai nationals for smuggling 10 Chinese immigrants into the country. The suspects drove a pickup truck, packed with the immigrants in the back, through a police checkpoint, damaging the barrier. A search of the driver revealed a 9mm firearm and two bullets. Yesterday, September 5, under the directive of Police Major General Chatchai Wongsuna,…
- Crime News
Brothers arrested in Trang for illegal loan sharking with 30% interest
Police arrested two brothers, nicknamed Jao Tossakan Loan Sharks, in Trang for charging exorbitant interest rates of 30% per month, with a loan turnover exceeding 2 million baht. The investigation revealed over 100 victims. Yesterday, September 5, police, led by Phumipat Phattarasriwongchai and Theera Chuersuwan, directed Kritthaphop Kaewrod and his team, in collaboration with local officers, to execute a search…
- China News
Woman fined 10,000 baht for sweat stains on wedding dress
A woman from Shandong, China, faced a fine of 2,000 yuan (approximately 10,000 baht, US$300) from a wedding dress shop after trying on a gown and leaving sweat stains. The incident sparked a heated debate online, with netizens largely unsupportive of her stance. The woman, who is planning to get married next year, visited a renowned local bridal shop to…
- Thailand News
Woman injured after 40-metre cliff fall while foraging in Kanchanaburi
A 50 year old woman sustained serious injuries after falling from a 40-metre cliff while foraging for bamboo shoots on a mountain in Kanchanaburi. Rescue teams took over 30 minutes to reach and airlift her to the hospital. At 2.30pm yesterday, September 4, rescue officials from the Phithak Kan Foundation received a report of a severe injury due to a…
- Crime News
Elderly woman loses 600,000 baht in northern Thailand land scam
A gang of scammers defrauded an elderly woman of her entire life savings, amounting to 600,000 baht, by convincing her to invest in a fictitious land deal in northern Thailand. Despite filing a police report four months ago, there has been no progress in the case. Upon arriving at the victim’s home in Isaan district, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Buriram, the…
- Business News
Thailand mandates VAT registration for online sales platforms
The Ministry of Finance is set to integrate online sales platforms into Thailand’s tax system, following a Cabinet decision mandating these platforms to register for value-added tax (VAT). An anonymous ministry source confirmed that the Revenue Department will amend the Revenue Code in line with the Cabinet’s resolution. Online sales platforms will now be required to register for VAT in…
- Business News
Thailand levels up: Set to be Southeast Asia’s e-sports epicentre
Thailand is poised to become a leading e-sports hub in Southeast Asia, according to Riot Games, a US-based game developer. Riot Games Thailand Manager Jon Lor emphasised the strong foundation already present in the Thai gaming community. “From my perspective, it’s about building on the strong foundation we already have. We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from the Thai gaming community, and…
- Thailand News
Public health minister rejects 30-baht scheme co-payment review
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin dismissed a proposal from health experts to revisit the co-payment system of the universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme. Somsak stated emphatically that he had no intention of reopening discussions about the co-payment plan. “The ministry is doing its best to take care of people’s health. No changes have been made.”…
- Thailand News
Court’s ruling: MoU-tain of evidence favours Thai-Cambodian deal
The Constitutional Court dismissed a petition challenging the legality of the 2001 Thai-Cambodian memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand. The petition, submitted by Deputy Palang Pracharath Party leader Paiboon Nititawan, claimed that the MoU had not been approved by Parliament before its signing. Paiboon argued that the MoU, used by the Department of Treaties…
- Transport News
Rama II Road projects set for full launch by June next year
Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit announced a firm deadline for three ongoing construction projects on Rama II Road, setting their full launch by June next year. Suriya addressed the media yesterday, detailing the status of the projects on Highway 35, commonly known as Rama II Road, which serves as a crucial link between Bangkok and the southern provinces of Thailand.…
- Thailand News
Thailand boosts benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days
The Ministry of Labour announced significant improvements to benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members, which will kick off next year. These enhancements include an increased allowance during maternity leave and extended periods for receiving various social security benefits. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed new guidelines for managing the SSF, including a legal amendment under the Social Security Act aimed…
- Thailand News
Man falls from tree into Wang River and dies in northern Thailand
A man who climbed a tree to rest tragically fell into the Wang River and died. His body was discovered by a Good Samaritan who was relaxing at a riverside park. At 4.40pm yesterday, September 4, rescue workers from Sawang Nakhon Lampang retrieved the body of 45 year old Ek, a construction worker who had fallen into the Wang River…
- Road deaths
Man dies in collision with cow on Thai road
A 54 year old man tragically died in a collision with a cow while riding his big bike. The accident occurred on the road connecting Nang Rong and Buriram on September 3. His grieving wife appealed for the cow’s owner to take responsibility. Nantachai, a resident of Village 13, Sakae Phrong subdistrict, Mueang district, Buriram province, was riding his big…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued its seventh warning about Typhoon Yagi. Northern and northeastern Thailand are expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds, with potential flash floods and landslides. Coastal areas face high waves, urging caution for all residents. Today, September 5, the TMD announced Typhoon Yagi’s seventh warning (166/2024). At 4am, the typhoon was positioned over…
- Thailand News
Body found floating near Koh Loy in Sri Racha
A man’s body was discovered floating near Koh Loy in Sri Racha district yesterday. Sri Racha Police Station received a report of a body found face down near the shoreline. Officers, along with rescue workers from the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha Foundation, promptly went to the scene to investigate. Police discovered the body floating approximately 50 metres offshore, near an…
- Thailand News
Blocking bad clicks: DES ramps up crackdown on shady sites
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) has significantly ramped up efforts to curb access to illicit online content, blocking 138,660 attempts to access unlawful social media pages and website URLs over the past 11 months. This marks an 11-fold increase compared to the same period last year. The DES, led by Prasert Jantararuangtong, has concentrated on fighting cybercrime by…
- Phuket News
Villa thrill-a: Russian buyers drive Phuket’s 2024 villa surge
Phuket’s villa market has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of 2024, surpassing the total launches for the entirety of 2023. For the first time in 15 years, the value of new villas has exceeded that of condominiums, driven primarily by robust demand from Russian buyers. Phattarachai Taweewong, director of the research department at property consultancy Colliers Thailand,…
