- Thailand News
Thai worker death toll in Israel hits 21, PM Srettha exploring evacuation
The death toll of Thai workers in Israel has risen to 21 following another reported death, announced Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The news came out early on this morning, October 12, detailing the ongoing violence since Hamas initiated an offensive over the weekend. Sharing this development at 9.10am Malaysian time, PM Sretta did not elaborate on the factors leading to…
- Politics News
Thailand and Malaysia plan to boost bilateral trade and border growth
Economic collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia is set to amplify, with plans to boost bilateral trade and foster growth along the Thai-Malaysian border. Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesman, revealed these plans following a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, held at the Malaysian PM’s office in Putrajaya. During the meeting, a broad…
- Thailand News
Thai labourer’s death in Israel sparks fears, call for government aid
The Thai labourer tragically killed in Israel during a mortar attack on Tuesday sparked pleas from his family for government aid in repatriating his remains back to his native Si Sa Ket province in Thailand. Phongphat Suchat and another Thai worker lost their lives when a mortar round detonated close to their location, according to the 29 year old’s brother,…
- Thailand News
Mane change: Thai police let their hair down with 5cm rule revision
Thailand’s national police chief has instituted a revision in police regulations, permitting male officers to sport hair up to 5 centimetres long. This move is a marked difference from the 2018 uniform practice code which mandated that male officers maintain a closely cropped hairstyle with the back and sides of their heads completely shaven. In the new 2023 uniform practice…
- Thailand News
Influenza cases rise fivefold in Thailand amid illegal antiviral drug concerns
A startling surge in influenza cases has been observed in Thailand this year, with a fivefold increase compared to last year’s monthly averages. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to the public about illegal antiviral medications labelled as oseltamivir being smuggled into the country. Doctor Thira Woratanarat from the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University revealed, on…
- 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
Thailand and Brunei forge deeper ties to boost bilateral trade
Thailand and Brunei have embraced greater bilateral cooperation, expanding into new sectors of trade and investment. The move comes as part of their collective commitment towards achieving economic integration within the ASEAN region. While on an official visit to Brunei, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN’s most senior leader. The two…
- 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
Fishy business: RTN reels in Indonesian vessels straying into Thai waters
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) stopped three Indonesian fishing vessels after they strayed into Thai waters after a recent maritime operation near Phuket. This unfolding event kicked off yesterday when Thai authorities apprehended these vessels within Thai territorial waters. What added to the significance of this operation was the detention of all 40 crew members aboard the ships. The operation…
- 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…
- Business News
Thai CEOs discuss sustainability’s key role in supply chain survival at SX2023
The Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023) has illuminated the essential role of sustainability in successful supply chain networks. The Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN) Business Partners Conference, also known as the TSCN CEO Panel, took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center as part of the ongoing expo. The key topic of discussion was the self-application of sustainable practices for…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai government boosts safety measures after Siam Paragon shooting incident
Heightened safety measures are set to be implemented by the Thai government in a bid to restore the confidence of foreign tourists, following the recent shooting incident at Siam Paragon. Two foreigners, one from China and the other from Myanmar, lost their lives in the incident which also left five others injured, including another Chinese national, a person from Laos,…
- 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…
- Politics News
Internal feud rocks Pheu Thai Party: Chalerm Ubumrung severs ties with Thaksin Shinawatra
An internal feud within the ruling Pheu Thai Party is causing ripples in Thailand’s political circles, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin calling for dialogue to resolve the conflict. The dispute involves long-standing party member Chalerm Ubumrung and the party’s executives, including the influential Thaksin Shinawatra, a respected figure within the party and the former prime minister, currently residing in the…
- 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…
- Crime News
Thai PM vows enhanced security after deadly Siam Paragon shooting
Two people, both foreign nationals, met their unfortunate end while five others sustained injuries in a shocking shooting incident at the Siam Paragon shopping mall on Tuesday. In response to the tragic event, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed various state agencies to enhance security precautions to avert future occurrences. The 61 year old Srettha took to Twitter to express his…
- 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…
