- Thailand News
Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown
Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition. While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence. “Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high…
- Thailand News
China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less
China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…
- Thailand News
Thai government launches aggressive campaign against illegal lending
The Thai government has prioritised an aggressive campaign against illegal lending and loan sharks, in an attempt to curb what Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin refers to as modern-day slavery. The move emphasises the urgency to dismantle such activities to restore social stability and security. The 61 year old Thai PM stated the issue of illegal loans has escalated to a…
- Thailand News
Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang park kicks off nesting season with 118 turtle eggs
The latest nesting season in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Thai Mueang district, kicked off with the discovery of 118 leatherback turtle eggs. The eggs were spotted yesterday, December 8, by park officials during their patrol on the beach for signs of a leatherback turtle, locally known as Tao Mafueng, breeding site. Prarop Plaengngan, the park’s chief, recounted the…
- Thailand News
Thai national thought held hostage in Gaza found safe in Israel
A Thai national believed to be among the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza has been found safe in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reveals this miraculous twist as talks for the release of remaining Thai hostages continue. The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that a missing Thai national, initially feared to be among the hostages, recently…
- Thailand News
Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng
The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at…
- Thailand News
Tripartite committee set to discuss new daily minimum wage rates
The tripartite committee, which consists of representatives from the ministry, employers, and employees, is set to deliberate on the new daily minimum wage rates across various provinces. The meeting, confirmed by Pairoj Chotikasathien, the permanent secretary for labour, is scheduled for today, December 8. According to the data finalized by a sub-committee under the main wage committee on November 27,…
- Thailand News
Homeowners confidence hits rock bottom- is your dream home still a dream?
The 2023 Homebuyer Confidence Index has taken a nosedive, leaving prospective homeowners questioning their property dreams. Recent research unveils the shocking truth behind this unexpected slump in optimism. Despite a generally content outlook on the Thai economy, the Consumer Confidence Index for 2023 has fallen to 76, a noticeable dip from the previous year’s score of 80. Sumitra Wongpakdee, managing…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks visa exemptions for its tourists travelling to China
Thailand’s government is seeking visa exemptions for Thai tourists travelling to China, with an official delegation planned to negotiate the details by the end of this month. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara revealed this yesterday, December 7, following a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion took place on the fringes of the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’…
- Thailand News
Democrat party power struggle emerges ahead of leadership election
A power struggle has emerged within the Democrat Party as a group of Members of Parliament (MPs), headed by Dech-it Khaothong, the Democrat MP for Songkhla, made moves to oppose the leadership bid of acting Deputy Leader Narapat Kaewthong. This event, which unfolded on Wednesday, saw a significant number of MPs express their reluctance to endorse Kaewthong. The faction is…
- Thailand News
Ex-protest leader Chinnawat gets suspended sentence for royal defamation
Chinnawat Chankrachang, better known as Bright, a former co-leader of pro-democracy demonstrations who later supported the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) linked with ex-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has been given a suspended sentence for royal defamation. This conviction is related to a rally held in February 2002. The details were revealed on Chinnawat’s Facebook page, where he shared that the…
- Pattaya News
Slovenian national found dead in Pattaya condo, suspected suicide
The lifeless body of a 47 year old man from Slovenia was discovered in a Pattaya condominium yesterday. The preliminary investigations suggest that the cause of death was likely suicide. The scene was inspected by a team led by Pattaya police chief investigator, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thananon Athipansee, alongside medics from Bang Lamung Hospital and rescue workers. The team was…
- Thailand News
UNESCO recognises Songkran festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Thursday witnessed a series of events commemorating the Songkran Festival’s recent recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The official declaration was made yesterday during UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Botswana. The Culture Ministry’s application for the inclusion of the Songkran Festival was approved by…
- Thailand News
Phuket extends pub and bar hours to boost tourism and employment
Phuket is set to extend the operating hours of its pubs and bars till 4am, with the new timing being tentatively scheduled to start on December 15. This decision was reached following a public hearing conducted by the Phuket Provincial Administration Office. The new operating hours are to be implemented in six zones on Bangla Road in the Patong area…
- Thailand News
The unique charm of Thai literature
The rich history of Thai literature traces back to the Sukhothai period (1238-1438). However, in the modern age, Thai literature takes on a different form. Distinct features separate modern Thai literature, written in the 20th and 21st centuries, from its historical counterparts. In this article, we delve into the unique characteristics that define modern Thai literature. What is the Golden…
- Thailand News
Thai provincial governors gain CEO-like powers under new decentralisation policy
Thai provincial governors have been granted the authority akin to a company’s CEO, following a Cabinet agreement. This move forms part of the government’s decentralisation policy. However, the main opposition party, the Move Forward Party (MFP), and various critics question if this action truly aligns with accepted international standards of decentralisation. The Cabinet-approved proposal, submitted by the National Economic and…
- Thailand News
Thai students’ performance dips in PISA rankings, calls for educational reform
Fifteen year old Thai students faced a significant setback in their performance in maths, science, and reading, according to the recent rankings by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which conducted the assessment, revealed that these students scored 394 in maths, a sharp fall from 419 in the previous year. A similar…
- Thailand News
Chaowalit Thongduang: Thailand asserts active extradition treaty with Indonesia
Thailand‘s Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) asserted yesterday, December 5, that the country has an active extradition treaty with Indonesia. This announcement arrived in light of an unverified report suggesting that notorious fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng, might have escaped to the Southeast Asian country. Prayuth Phetkhun, the OAG spokesperson, clarified that the attorney-general possesses the authority…
- Thailand News
Cable car project causes concerns of potential overcrowding at Phu Kradueng
Concerns have been voiced by the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation over potential overcrowding at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, as a result of plans to revive a long-debated cable car project. The foundation, while assured that modern construction techniques can minimise environmental and wildlife disruption, is apprehensive about the park’s capacity to handle an influx of tourists. Ornyupa Sangkamarn, the…
- Thailand News
Thai prime minister: Army anti-drug efforts on Myanmar border
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the army to intensify its efforts to curb illicit drug smuggling along the Myanmar frontier. The directive was issued yesterday, December 5, during a meeting with the army chief, General Songwit Noonpackdee. The prime minister specifically emphasised the importance of the military’s collaboration with the police in executing this task. PM Srettha also stressed the…
- Thailand News
Thai road safety groups challenge extended bar hours over drink-driving fears
Alcohol temperance and road safety groups are challenging the new government decision to allow late-night bars and clubs in major Thai cities to extend opening hours until 4am. The critics argue that the authorities failed to make necessary arrangements to avert potential alcohol-related mishaps. This protest follows an announcement made by the Interior Ministry nearly a week ago, permitting bars…
- Thailand News
Easy e-receipt programme set to kick off next year in Thailand
A newly approved tax refund scheme, aimed at stimulating domestic spending and promoting the use of electronic invoices, is set to kick off early next year, the Finance Ministry confirmed on Monday. The so-called Easy E-Receipt programme allows individuals to claim a tax deduction of up to 50,000 baht on goods and services purchases from businesses backed by the e-tax…
- Thailand News
Rayong woman arrested for alleged minor sex trade and drug distribution
Unfolding in the heart of Rayong, a woman suspected of operating a minor sex trade and drug distribution network has surrendered to the police. This dramatic event unfolded yesterday, December 4, rooted in allegations from two teenage victims who had reached out to a local Facebook page, Zoom Rayong, claiming they had been held captive and exploited in a house…
- Thailand News
Major drug bust in Thailand seizes 2 tonnes of meth bound for Philippines and Australia
In a major drug bust, authorities last night apprehended 13 suspects and confiscated 2 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine from a large tugboat in Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. The narcotics, believed to be headed for the Philippines and Australia, were discovered during a late-night search operation by marine and narcotics suppression police. As law enforcement officers arrived, several individuals attempted to…
- Thailand News
Funding halt stalls Phu Kradueng cable car project over environmental concerns
The Phu Kradueng cable car project, a long-anticipated tourist attraction in Thailand’s Loei province, is currently stalled as concerns over the environmental impact have led to a halt in funding approval by the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Patcharawat Wongsuwan. Following a mobile Cabinet gathering in Nong Bua Lamphu, Patcharawat revealed that the Cabinet refrained from greenlighting the necessary budget…
- Thailand News
Drunk police officer kills motorcyclist in Kanchanaburi
A fatal drink driving accident unfolded in Kanchanaburi, when an inebriated police officer struck a motorcycle, instantly killing the rider. The officer, who was behind the wheel of his pick-up truck, was found with a blood alcohol level of 300 milligrammes per decilitre (mg/dL), six times over the legal limit of 50 mg/dL. Tha Muang police were alerted to the…
- Thailand News
Parliament to consult on charter amendment referendum
Upon the resumption of the Parliament session on December 12, MPs and senators will be consulted on the method of conducting a referendum on a charter amendment, revealed the head of a referendum hearing sub-panel, Nikorn Chamnong. He plans to forward a questionnaire to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker, and Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, who will request their…
- Thailand News
Thai PM plans revision of 5.1 billion baht for national art and culture
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The Thai prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy. PM Srettha’s statements followed the NSPDC’s second…
- Crime News
Beefy business gone bad: Police probe 75 tonnes of rotten meat at local markets
An investigation into the sale of approximately 75 tonnes of rotting beef at local markets has been requested of the police. This action has been prompted by Atchariya Ruangratanapong, a crime probe activist, who has called on the Central Investigation Bureau to take legal steps against two shipping firms and five senior officials from the Livestock Development Department. It is…
- Thailand News
Phu Kradueng cable car project set for debate at mobile Cabinet meeting
The mobile Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province today is set to deliberate on the long-awaited cable car project at the Phu Kradueng mountain resort in Loei province, according to Phuangphet Chunla-iad, the Prime Minister’s Office Minister. The local authorities of Loei province are requesting a 28 million baht budget to carry out a survey and draft the design…
