- Thailand News
Thai government defends 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme amid economic criticism
Economic experts’ criticism of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme was rebuffed yesterday by its supporters, who asserted that the cash handout would alleviate disparity and provide a crucial financial boost to the disadvantaged. Jutipong Phummul headed the faction, which handed a plea to the government, encouraging the implementation of the digital wallet initiative. Presented in Parliament as an economic strategy…
- Thailand News
Two more Thai labourers die in Israel-Palestine conflict, death toll rises to 20
The ongoing conflict in Israel has claimed the lives of two more Thai labourers, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, bringing the total Thai death toll to 20. The Thai labourers lost their lives amid Hamas rocket attacks and aerial bombardments near the Gaza Strip. Kanchana Patarachoke, the ministry’s spokesperson and director-general of the Department of Information, shared this distressing…
- Crime News
Phuket stabbing: Restaurant worker claims self-defence in fatal incident
A fatal stabbing incident unfolded in Phuket yesterday morning, resulting in the death of a 33 year old man. The 28 year old man, Arnon Thepsong, a restaurant staffer, has been arrested under charges of assault causing death and carrying a weapon in a public place without reasonable cause. However, he asserts that the act was committed in self-defence. The…
- Thailand News
Reservoir overflow in Thailand: Alert for potential downstream flooding
A recent alert has been issued by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) on the sudden rise of water levels in nine significant reservoirs. The ONWR revealed that these reservoirs are brimming with excess water that needs to be discharged swiftly. The reservoir overflow could potentially impact downstream areas in the coming days. The ONWR has been vigilantly…
- Phuket News
Unsafe Karon stadium in Thailand dismantled for community redevelopment
The demolition of the Karon Stadium, a prominent structure at the southern end of Karon Beach for the past 28 years, is currently in progress. The Phuket Provincial Public Works Department declared the arena, officially known as the Thet Phra Kiat Nawamin Sports Stadium, unsafe to use, prompting this move, according to Karon’s Mayor, Jadet Wicharasorn. The stadium had been…
- Thailand News
Thailand celebrates successful launch of advanced earth observation satellite Theos-2
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) of Thailand yesterday proudly announced the successful launch of the Thailand Earth Observation Satellite 2 (Theos-2). This marked a significant achievement after initial delays due to a technical fault during the scheduled launch on Saturday. The momentous occasion was broadcast live on Gistda’s Facebook page at 8.36am local time. The launch took…
- Thailand News
Rain reigns havoc: Deluge drenches Chon Buri, Pattaya beach erosion
Torrential rain wreaked havoc in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri in the early hours of this morning, causing extensive flooding on roads and in various communities. The deluge, which started approximately at 12.20am and lasted for over an hour, also led to significant erosion of Pattaya beach. The floodwater reached depths of between 50 and 80 centimetres in certain areas,…
- Thailand News
Police hunt ex-ambassador’s murderer, Myanmar teen suspected
An arrest warrant is out for a 19 year old Burmese man, in relation to the murder of Wichit Chitwiman, a former Thai ambassador to Denmark. The 63 year old diplomat was brutally stabbed to death at his residence in Chatuchak over the last weekend. Police Major General Noppasilp Poonsawat, the Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner, named Sai Myat Moi…
- Thailand News
Bangkok shooting survivor recounts horrific encounter with Siam Paragon gunman
A survivor of the recent shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok recounted her terrifying encounter with the 14 year old gunman. Anyapat Thipjirasakul, while fleeing the scene, came face to face with the teen gunman on an escalator. His immediate reaction was to fire, hitting her in the shoulder. Despite the pain, she continued running, scared he…
- Thailand News
Mongolia opens honorary consulate in Phuket, boosting ties
Phuket marked a significant milestone as Mongolia inaugurated its honorary consulate on the island, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with Thailand last week. The consulate’s office is located at the Gig Hotel on Soi Bangla in the Patong district. The opening ceremony saw the attendance of key figures including Tumur Amarsanaa, Mongolia’s ambassador to Thailand, Nutthaphong…
- Thailand News
Thai family identifies son among captives in Hamas-Israel conflict
A couple from Pla Pak district, in the northeastern border province of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, have positively identified their son as one of the workers reportedly captured by Hamas militants during a large-scale assault on Israel. The news of the abduction, which occurred yesterday, spread rapidly through social media, featuring a distressing image of six captive men with their hands…
- Thailand News
Thai national killed, 11 detained in Israel amid evacuation challenges
A Thai national lost his life and approximately 11 others were taken into custody during a Hamas assault on Israel, disclosed Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, early today. He also highlighted the ongoing air travel restrictions that are hindering evacuation efforts. Ahead of his international journey from Sunday to Thursday, PM Srettha shared at Wing 6 in Don Muang that…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s diplomatic tour to boost ties, revive tourism hit by mall shooting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarks on a five-day tour to Hong Kong and three ASEAN nations, beginning Sunday. The journey commences from the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) terminal at Don Mueang Airport, with the Airbus 320 aircraft setting course for Hong Kong. Post the Hong Kong visit, the premier’s itinerary includes Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, with his return scheduled…
- Thailand News
Bangkok workers rally for better employment conditions and against privatisation
World Day for Decent Work was marked by a significant rally in Bangkok, where approximately 600 workers rallied for their cause. The protestors demanded the government address unjust employment conditions and enhance employment security. The rally, which took place along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, saw the participation of members from the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC), the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation…
- Politics News
Democrat demands probe into Thaksin’s hospital stay amid preferential treatment claims
Watchara Phetthong, a veteran Democrat and former Member of Parliament, urged the House panel overseeing police affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hospitalisation of the ex-prime minister, 74 years old Thaksin Shinawatra. Accusations of preferential treatment have been fuelled by an undisclosed photograph of Thaksin seen enjoying pool time with his grandchild. At a press conference to highlight his…
- Politics News
Thai Cabinet approves assembly for constitutional referendum, amid MFP exit
The assembly to draft a referendum on revising the constitution is set to convene on Tuesday, following the Cabinet’s recent approval of its 35 members, reveals Chusak Sirinil, a member of the assembly. The assembly, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, will deliberate on modifications to the committee after the exit of the…
- Economy News
Thai government to give 10,000-baht digital wallet to citizens despite criticism
Despite facing staunch criticism from experts, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed on Friday that the Thai government will proceed with its plan to distribute a 10,000-baht digital wallet to every Thai citizen over the age of 16. This announcement comes in response to comments from Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, who criticised the economic stimulus policy. PM Srettha…
- Thailand News
Thailand tackles delivery rider accidents with defensive driving training
Last year, 81 delivery riders suffered road accidents in Thailand, leading to 28 fatalities and 36 severe injuries. Speeding, lane violations, using mobile phones while driving, and time pressures for delivery were identified as the primary causes. Kongkarn Takhiranrit, the acting director of the Social Risk Control Office at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), revealed that delivery riders and…
- Thailand News
Bluffing in Bangkok: How ‘lying’ is perceived in Thailand
Playing poker in Thailand? Is it right to bluff or tell lies in general conversation? Thai culture can be different from its Western counterparts, so how does it affect the game of poker when playing it in Thailand? And is it even allowed there? Dispelling Historical Myths For many years there was an unfair rumour among expats living in Thailand…
- Thailand News
Decomposing whale carcass found in Phetchaburi, Thailand
A distressing discovery greeted the crew members of a fishing boat off the coast of Cha-am Beach in the Cha-am district of Phetchaburi. While navigating the waters, they happened upon the lifeless body of a Bryde’s whale, a sombre encounter that prompted immediate action. Responding to the call, a team comprising marine experts, and disaster prevention and mitigation officials, led…
- Crime News
Online fraud cases in Thailand soar to 365,000 with 45 billion baht loss
Over the past one and a half years, a staggering 365,000 online fraud cases have been reported, inflicting a massive loss of 45 billion baht, revealed Deputy Government Spokesperson, Karom Phonphonklang. This was in reference to the cumulative data gathered from the thaipoliceonline.com website, available from March 1 of last year until September 30 this year, provided by the Royal…
- Thailand News
Thailand speeds up warning system after Siam Paragon shooting
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister confirmed the development of a cell broadcast (CB) emergency warning system. Set to be ready for deployment within the next six months to a year, the system is a collaborative project coordinated by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), in liaison with mobile service providers. The decision to develop this CB system…
- Thailand News
Thai PM visits flood-hit provinces as 1,600 villages grapple with damage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit flood-stricken communities in Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, and Roi Et today. The severity of Thai floods in these areas is still under assessment, with aid strategies being formulated. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke reported that the ongoing heavy rains have triggered Thai floods, engulfing over 1,600 villages across 28 provinces from September 26 until…
- Thailand News
Rare sun bear cub arrives, ‘pawsitively’ brightening the day at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
In a ‘bear-y’ rare occurrence, a one-month-old sun bear, a species on the brink of extinction and under protection, has been joyfully welcomed at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo Zoo director, Thanachon Khensing, shared the news of the cub’s arrival today, October 5, stating that the young bear is robust and in good health. Its parents, both sun bears aged 10 years,…
- Thailand News
Siam Paragon shooting prompts new mental health unit
A new mental health consultation unit, established to assist individuals emotionally distressed by the recent fatal shooting in Siam Paragon, started operations yesterday. The tragic incident, involving a teenage boy who killed two women, left many feeling traumatised and in need of psychological support. Amporn Benjaponpitak, the leading authority of the Department of Mental Health, revealed that she, along with…
- Thailand News
Ayutthaya builds dykes to protect homes amid rising Chao Phraya River levels
The fast-rising waters of the Chao Phraya River have led to the construction of dykes along its banks in the province of Ayutthaya. There is a growing concern that the swelling river may overflow, potentially flooding homes and historical landmarks. The Chao Phraya River’s rising levels are attributed to an increased water volume from upstream provinces. However, on Wednesday, it…
- Thailand News
Thai defence minister proposes public distribution of military-owned land
Sutin Klungsang, the Defence Minister, put forth a proposition to distribute some military-owned land to the local populace, as part of the governmental strategy to modernise the armed forces. This was revealed by the Defence Ministry’s spokesperson, Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, post a Defence Council meeting. The 62 year old Sutin presented policies to the ministry’s department heads and the leaders of…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves panel to draft charter amendment referendum
The Thai Cabinet greenlighted the formation of a 35-member panel yesterday, tasked with drafting a prospective charter amendment referendum, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Serving as the chair of the committee, Phumtham revealed that the panel will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition parties, as well as legal experts, scholars, social activists,…
- Economy News
Weakening baht boosts Thailand’s exports and tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pointed out yesterday that the weakening baht, despite its potential negative impact on energy import costs, is actually proving to be a boon for the country’s exports and tourism. The baht had earlier plummeted to an 11-month low against the US dollar, trading at 37.095. According to the 61 year old prime minister, who also…
- Thailand News
Thai welfare department pushes for more ‘home-run’ support as homeless program stalls
The Thai Department of Social Development and Welfare is advocating for increased housing subsidies for the homeless, following a year in which fewer than 100 individuals signed up for the programme, revealed Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security. This joint initiative of the department and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation allows for half of the participants’…
