Nattapong Westwood
- Thailand News
Weather alert: Thailand bracing for cold snap and heavy southern rainfall
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a cold weather warning across the country, with foggy conditions expected in the morning. The southern region continues to experience severe flooding due to heavy rainfall in eight provinces. The level of airborne dust particles remains significantly high due to weak winds, resulting in poor air ventilation. A high-pressure area or cold air mass covers…
- Thailand News
Thai criminal responsibility age may lower from 15 to 12 years
The Thai justice system is gearing up for profound changes to the legal age of criminal responsibility, potentially lowering it from 15 to 12 years old. This comes amidst growing concerns over an increasing trend of violent offences committed by younger individuals. The discussion was brought to light today at the National Police Office, by Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukwimol,…
- Thailand News
71 year old groom’s lavish wedding to 32 year old bride stirs debate
An unconventional wedding between a 71 year old groom and his 32 year old bride recently sparked a stir on Chinese social media. The groom’s generosity during the wedding a dowry worth almost 600,000 baht – and the striking age gap of nearly 40 years between the couple has triggered widespread speculation about their motivations for marriage. The ceremony took…
- Thailand News
Gunfire incident shocks Maya Bay as national park officials dispute turns violent
A shocking incident took place among national park officials in the tranquil, serene region of Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island, leading to a heated dispute and subsequent gunfire. The injured individuals have been transported to the hospital, and no fatalities have been reported from this event, which occurred today, January 2. The dispute started during a meal at the…
- Thailand News
Man swallows beer bottle cap during New Year’s Day celebration in Thailand
A man almost died when he inadvertently swallowed a beer bottle cap during the New Year’s Day celebrations, causing it to lodge in his oesophagus. He was promptly taken to Nakornping Hospital where doctors safely removed the cap. This incident occurred yesterday according to a post on the hospital’s Facebook page. On New Year’s Day, the unnamed 40 year old…
- Thailand News
Thai government delays decision on electricity price reduction
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed that the Cabinet has not yet agreed to reduce electricity charges. Pointing out that Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is not ready to present the numbers to reduce electricity charges by no more than 4.20 baht (US$0.12). He requested more time at 10.10am today, at the Government House. Before the Cabinet meeting,…
- Thailand News
Thai EV drivers demand more charging stations for smoother travel
Electric vehicle (EV) owners are voicing concerns over a lack of charging stations, as they scramble to charge their vehicles before embarking on the Korat-Bang Pa-in Motorway. The public is calling on the government to seriously support the increasing use of EVs. As people steadily return to Bangkok and central and eastern provinces, those driving EVs must plan their journeys…
- Thailand News
Thai govt confirms no Thais affected by recent Japanese earthquake
In light of the recent earthquake in Japan, Panpry Phahitthanukul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that there are no reports of Thai people injured or killed. Panpry expressed concern and support for the Japanese government and its people through a message on X (formerly Twitter) today. There is, however, a stern warning for Thai people in…
- Thailand News
Thai government cuts local alcohol tax to zero to boost tourism and economy
The Thai government has announced a tax reduction on local alcohol as part of a wider review of laws hindering domestic tourism and economic growth. Revealed on January 2 at the Government House, Prime Minister Settha Thavisin stated that the restructuring of excise and various national taxes, including reducing domestic alcohol tax to 0%, formed part of their strategy to…
- World News
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung survives stabbing attack in Busan
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed while making a public announcement in Busan. Following the incident, authorities immediately apprehended the attacker. Lee, who lost the presidential election in 2022, was transported to the hospital approximately 20 minutes post-assault and is currently conscious. Lee Jae-myung, who suffered a defeat in the 2022 presidential polls, was stabbed on the left…
- Thailand News
Nostradamus predicts catastrophic tsunami and royal shake-up in 2024
Renowned French seer Nostradamus predicted a catastrophic tsunami in 2024, a prophecy that has sparked widespread online discussion following the recent tsunami in Japan yesterday. Nostradamus, who lived five centuries ago, penned his predictions in a book of 942 poems, foreseeing major global events with uncanny accuracy, including World War II, the 9/11 attacks, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Famous news…
- Thailand News
Fatal stabbing in Ban Pong escalates from heated argument
A fatal stabbing occurred in front of a convenience store in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi, following a heated argument between two women. The incident, which took place at 10.45pm yesterday, January 1, ended tragically as a man attempting to intervene was fatally stabbed. The crime scene was attended by Ban Pong Police Station Deputy Investigator Suksiri Chansacha along with Ban Pong…
- Thailand News
Fatal New Year’s shooting in Phuket hotel: police apprehend 32 year old suspect
A 32 year old man was fatally shot in front of a hotel in Phuket during New Year’s celebrations. The assailant, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, was later apprehended by police. The incident occurred at 4.14am today (January 1) Police Lieutenant Colonel Eakasak Khwanhuan, an investigator at the Karon Police Station in Phuket, was notified of the shooting…
- Thailand News
New year’s eve chanting ceremony at Ayutthaya’s Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple
On December 31, Buddhist devotees convened at the significant Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple in Ayutthaya province for the annual New Year’s Eve chanting ceremony. The evening event included meditation and listening to Dhamma preaching, culminating in the chanting of Buddhist mantras to usher in the New Year. The attendees, dressed in white, came as families and young individuals. The…
- Thailand News
New Year’s prayer ceremony attracts tourists at Khao Yai National Park
Tourists gathered for a New Year’s prayer ceremony at a temporary tent area on Khao Yai National Park‘s Rong Mountain. Amid the chilly weather, with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees Celsius at midnight of January 1 numerous tourists participated in the Buddhist chanting and New Year’s prayers. Despite the cold weather, tourists flocked to join the New Year prayers, welcoming…
- Thailand News
Bazaar hotel Bangkok slapped with 1.3 million baht fine for unlawful construction
Following the removal of the statues of Kru Kai Kaew and other deities, including Khun Paen, Umathumma, Brahma, nine-tailed fox, Thep Heng Chia, Thep Naja, and Thep Chaothaising, from the premises of The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok yesterday, a hefty fine of over 1.3 million baht (US$ 37,325) was levied on the company for unlawful construction activity in the area. Despite…
- Thailand News
Fatal Rayong motorcycle accident: Tragic collision claims rider’s life instantly
A fatal incident took place in Rayong, where a man riding a motorcycle lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and violently collided with a concrete wall. The force of the impact resulted in a broken neck, causing instant death at the scene. The incident occurred at approximately 12.30am today, December 29. Local police and emergency medical…
- Entertainment
BLACKPINK ends individual contracts with YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment has announced that the four members of BLACKPINK will not be renewing their individual contracts and will pursue their own independent activities, marking the end of negotiation discussions about their contracts. The South Korean news agency reported today (December 29). YG Entertainment officially stated, “Hello, this is YG Entertainment. Recently, we renewed our contract for the group activities…
- Thailand News
Teenage Grab driver fatally stabbed in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district
An 18 year old Grab driver was fatally stabbed in the early morning today, December 29, in a major alleyway in Bangkok‘s Chatuchak district. Atit (last name withheld), who was outfitted with a label from a technical institute on his belt, was found with three head wounds and four body stab wounds. The scene of the crime, Ratchadaphisek Soi 36, also…
- Thailand News
Thai Revenue Department mandates online platforms to submit trader income data from 2023
The Thai Revenue Department has mandated online platforms to submit income data of online traders into the system, starting from the accounting period of January 1 in the upcoming year. The conditions were announced on today. Kulaya Tantitemit, the Director-General of the Revenue Department, announced on December 27, about income tax concerning the regulation for electronic platforms to prepare special…
- Thailand News
Gold prices in Thailand take a slight dip today
Gold prices decreased today, according to the Gold Traders Association. The price of gold ornaments was adjusted to 34,100 baht (US$994) per baht-weight, a drop of 50 baht (US$1.46) compared to the final price on December 28. This adjustment was reflected in the latest data from the Association’s website at 9am today. The selling price for 96.5% gold bars in…
- Thailand News
Man under drug influence burns grandmother’s house in Phayao
A 48 year old man, under the influence of narcotics, has been arrested for setting fire to his grandmother’s house in Phayao Province, Thailand. The fire, which started in the man’s bedroom, quickly engulfed the entire property, leading to substantial property damage but no casualties. The local police have also charged the man with arson and drug use, following the…
- Thailand News
Chumphon teenager disappears in sea after wave mishap
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday, as a 17 year old high school student, hailing from Chumphon’s capital district, disappeared into the sea while playing with friends near the Saphli pier in Chumphon province. Despite friends’ desperate attempts to help, the powerful waves swept him away. The 43 year old boy’s mother, was left in shock and distress, looking out to…
- Thailand News
Newborn found dead in Hat Yai City dump shocks community
A harrowing event unfolded on the evening yesterday (December 28), when the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy was discovered in a rubbish bin behind the waste separation plant of Hat Yai City Municipality in Songkhla. The baby, suspected to have been dead for at least two to three days, was found naked, with a green and bruised face,…
- Thailand News
Drug-induced hallucination leads to violent assault on two young boys in Bangkok
A man under the influence of marijuana and cough syrup mixed with kratom severely hallucinated, chased and injured two young boys aged six and nine with a blunted knife. Plc Yongyut Thongma, an investigative officer at the Chok Chai Police Station, was notified about the violent assault on the two boys. The incident took place in front of a porridge…
- World News
Taiwanese man mistakes powdered milk and chocolate for Dyson fan in gift exchange
A Taiwanese man, thinking he had won a Dyson fan during a gift exchange, was left in fits of laughter when he unwrapped his present. This incident took place during a festive gathering common at the end of the year, where family, friends, and colleagues come together to celebrate with creative parties and gift exchanges. Some receive luxurious gifts, others…
- Thailand News
New year’s travel surge causes traffic on Nakhon Ratchasima bypass
As the New Year celebration kicks off, citizens embark on a journey back to their hometowns in the Northeast region of Thailand. This has resulted in heavy traffic congestion on the bypass road around Nakhon Ratchasima, extending over one kilometre. However, the M6 Motorway has effectively alleviated inner city traffic. Around 8am, the continuous stream of people travelling back to…
- Thailand News
Thai student’s unexplained dormitory death stirs parents’ suspicion
A first-year nursing student from a renowned university tragically fell to her death from a university dormitory building, leaving her parents in a state of shock and suspicion. The parents, Petch, 70 years old, and Kiew, 48 years old, sought help from Aekaphop Luangprasert, an advisor to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) and founder of the ‘Silk Must…
- Thailand News
Three lives claimed in tragic Lopburi road accidents
A tragic road accident in Lopburi province resulted in three fatalities. A 38 year old man driving a Ford car at high speed attempted an overtaking manoeuvre, crossed lanes, and collided head-on with a Honda car. The impact killed both drivers, the second being a 40 year old man. Later, a motorcycle crashed into a parked truck, killing the rider.…
- Transport News
New year exodus triggers traffic on Phaholyothin and Mittraphap Roads
Traffic started to intensify on both Phaholyothin and Mittraphap Roads as city dwellers began their exodus from Bangkok to celebrate the New Year in their hometowns. By 10.30pm on yesterday vehicles were moving at speeds of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour on Phaholyothin Road heading towards Nong Khae, Saraburi, although there were occasional slowdowns. As vehicles approached Saraburi city,…
