- Thailand News
NACC criticised for redacted Prawit watch case report
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) handed over a report on the controversial watch case involving former deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwon to activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday, following an order by the Administrative Court. Despite this, many sections of the report remain heavily redacted, as Veera, head of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network. The court had mandated the NACC to deliver the case…
- Thailand News
Muay Thai madness: Paris 2024 to host epic martial arts showcase
Muay Thai will feature as a thrilling side event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, from July 26 to August 11. This landmark occasion will see over 1,000 Muay Thai boxers from 24 countries across five continents, according to Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA). “This is a monumental step towards the dream…
- Business News
Gold trading in the era of financial regulatory changes
The gold market has undergone significant changes in recent years due to evolving financial regulations across the globe. With increased oversight and restrictions, gold traders have had to adapt to this new environment. This article explores how gold trading has been impacted by financial regulatory changes and what traders need to know going forward. Increased Capital Requirements One of the…
- Thailand News
Panel to auction 15,000 tonnes of rice from Yingluck era
A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The panel is set to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for the auction, with completion expected by the end of this month.…
- Thailand News
THAI set for shock stock market comeback: PM Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered from the Finance Ministry an expedited rehabilitation plan for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to see the national carrier relisted on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by the end of this year, according to a ministry insider. Originally slated for a stock market return in April or May next year, THAI’s accelerated timeline is…
- Thailand News
Thai trade envoy spices up talks with Shanghai to stir-fry ties
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Zhao Zhuping, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai municipal government yesterday. The discussion centred on expanding trade and investment between Thailand and Shanghai. “Chinese investors sought the highest number of investment privileges from the Thai government last year.” Narumon noted that 430 projects valued at 160…
- Thailand News
Thai minister reveals groundbreaking health initiative with China
Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation unveiled a pioneering research programme in collaboration with China’s leading genome research powerhouse, BGI. This initiative, aimed at transforming healthcare in Thailand, promises to elevate the quality of life for locals while slashing healthcare costs tied to late-stage diseases. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology…
- Thailand News
Man falls to death from fifth floor in Bangkok mall
A foreign man tragically fell to his death from the fifth floor of a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area last night. The circumstances around his untimely death are currently unknown. Thong Lor Police Station received the report of the incident around 10.30pm. Responding quickly, police officers, forensic officials, and rescue workers rushed to Soi Sukhumvit 35 in Khlong Tan…
- Thailand News
Thai Constitutional Court accepts petition against PM Srettha
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition calling for the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint a minister with a criminal record. Despite this, the court narrowly voted 5-4 not to suspend the Bangkok-born PM from his duties while awaiting its final ruling. A panel of nine judges convened today to consider the petition submitted by…
- Thailand News
MRT clarifies water leakage caused by clogged A/C system
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) today clarified that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern…
- Thailand News
Record sea temperatures devastate coral reefs and marine life
Record sea surface temperatures in Thailand’s eastern gulf coast are causing severe damage to the region’s aquatic life, raising concerns among scientists and local communities. Coral reefs that were once vibrant and colourful, situated about 5 metres underwater, have turned white due to coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates deteriorating health caused by elevated water temperatures. Data reveals that sea surface…
- Thailand News
Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
- Thailand News
Yingluck’s hope for a democratic revival with new charter
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra sparked fresh hope for Thailand’s democratic future, declaring that the country will soon see a return to full democracy under the Pheu Thai Party-led government with a new people’s charter. In a poignant Facebook post marking the 10th anniversary of the coup that ousted her caretaker government on May 22, 2014, Yingluck expressed renewed optimism.…
- Thailand News
Returned Golden Boy statue unveiled at National Museum Bangkok
Eager crowds gathered at the National Museum Bangkok yesterday to witness the unveiling of the recently repatriated Golden Boy statue, a 900 year old artefact smuggled out of Thailand in 1975 by the infamous art dealer Douglas Latchford. The Golden Boy, along with a bronze statue of a kneeling lady, was returned to Thailand from the Metropolitan Museum of Art…
- Thailand News
Thailand boosts ties with Italy, eyes Schengen visa waiver
Thailand and Italy have committed to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced following his official visit to Italy, describing his discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as highly productive. Thailand’s prospects for obtaining a Schengen visa waiver for its ordinary passport holders have significantly improved. Meloni pledged her support for Thailand’s proposal, bolstering the…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s new drainage upgrade halves rainwater clearance time
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the newly implemented road drainage system in the Udomsuk area will significantly improve rainwater drainage efficiency. Heavy rainfall over Bangkok prompted Chadchart to visit Udomsuk Road, also known as Sukhumvit Soi 103, to assess the flood situation following The Meteorological Department of Thailand’s (TMD) declaration of the official start of the rainy season. The…
- Thailand News
Thailand taskforce seizes 130 million illegal pills in six months
Thailand’s northern border has seen the most significant progress in combating narcotics trafficking, with the Narcotic Drug and Chemical Substance Control Command Unit (Taskforce 35) seizing nearly 130 million illegal pills over the past six months. In this period, a specialised task force named Taskforce 35 conducted 74 operations targeting narcotic activities, 30 of which escalated to gunfights, according to…
- Thailand News
Defence minister considers law review after southern violence
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang intends to reassess the special laws currently enforced in Thailand’s Deep South, aiming to address the surge in violence in the region. Sutin revealed his plan to visit the southernmost provinces soon, following recent outbreaks of violence. This announcement came after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shared on his social media channels that he would also be…
- Thailand News
Backlash over Stark scandal suspect’s hospital transfer
The Department of Corrections (DoC) faced heavy criticism yesterday for transferring a key suspect in the Stark Corporation scandal to the Police General Hospital (PGH), as victims of the financial misconduct accuse officials of granting him special treatment. Dozens of investors affected by the Stark Corporation fraud case petitioned Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, seeking transparency after discovering that Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon,…
- Thailand News
Court shakes up Senate race: Judge advises removal of EC regs
A judge at the Administrative Court has advised the removal of certain Election Commission (EC) regulations that govern how Senate election candidates introduce themselves, following complaints from petitioners. Activists and candidates filed a petition against the EC regulations, arguing that they overly restrict candidates’ use of social media and mass media to introduce themselves to the public. The court held…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha scrambles to address economic woes
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called an urgent meeting with his economic ministers next Monday in a bid to tackle Thailand’s sluggish economic growth. This move comes after a dismal first-quarter GDP report, which has sent shockwaves through the government and the public alike. In a Twitter post last night, the 62 year old Thai prime minister announced that…
- Thailand News
TAT’s grand plan to attract 39 million tourists to Thailand
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) called for a major budget increase to boost tourism revenue to a staggering 3.5 trillion baht in 2024, attracting more tourists. The Thai government is aiming high, with an ambitious goal to lure no fewer than 39 million international tourists to its stunning shores throughout 2024. To achieve this, the TAT is pushing for…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai Airport grants Grab exclusive ride-hailing rights
Chiang Mai Airport defended its decision to grant Grab exclusive rights to operate ride-hailing services at its passenger terminal. Only vehicles using the Grab app are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport, according to Chiang Mai Airport General Manager Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn. Ronnakorn explained that two categories of vehicles provide services at the airport. The first category includes non-regular…
- Thailand News
Pothole in Samut Prakan damages 10 vehicles, injures motorcyclist
A dozen vehicles were damaged and a motorcyclist was left injured in Samut Prakan when they encountered a pothole next to a temporary cover on Srinakarin Road in the Mueang district last night. At least 10 cars experienced tyre and wheel damage and a motorcyclist was injured after falling into the hole. Police received the report at around 10pm. The hole…
- Thailand News
Underground sex bar exposed: 24 Thai women arrested
Taipei law enforcement swooped on an illicit underground bar in the Zhongshan District in Taipei, Taiwan, uncovering a web of illegal activities and arresting 24 Thai women suspected of working as hostesses. The raid, conducted on Saturday, May 18, resulted in the arrest of the 29 year old bar owner, identified only as Chiang, along with four of his employees…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha’s Milan move: F1 races, and airport overhauls
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Intesa Sanpaolo, a leading international financial institution in Milan to discuss funding for Thailand’s Land Bridge project. The bank is aware of the Thai government’s plans to expand Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports and showed keen interest, hinting at future detailed discussions. The prime minister also revealed that Intesa Sanpaolo is enthusiastic…
- Thailand News
Marine officers to intensify clean up efforts at Koh Phi Phi
Marine officers at Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park are set to intensify clean-up efforts to collect floating rubbish around Koh Phi Phi beach, driven ashore by the monsoon season. This decision follows viral Facebook posts by Associate Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine environmental academic and lecturer at Kasetsart University. He highlights the growing problem of marine debris…
- Thailand News
Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism
Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love. Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade,…
- Thailand News
Thailand plans Formula One circuit near U-Tapao airport by 2028
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to construct a Formula One racing circuit near U-Tapao Airport in Rayong province within the next three to four years. The prime minister shared this vision after meeting with Formula One Group executives in Milan yesterday. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised the importance of international sporting events for boosting tourism, expressing the…
- Thailand News
Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day
Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…
