Nattapong Westwood
- Thailand News
Significant earthquake in Mindanao Philippines triggers tsunami warning but spares Thailand
The Philippines experienced a significant earthquake near the island of Mindanao, triggering a tsunami warning. The quake, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, didn’t affect Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Japan also issued a tsunami warning in response to the seismic activity occurring on December 3. At 9.57pm yesterday, December 2, the TMD stated the earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines.…
- Thailand News
Overwhelmed businesswoman registers for Thai government’s debt relief scheme
A businesswoman, burdened with an overwhelming debt, registered for an out-of-system debt relief scheme. She owes money to 14 lenders and faces the daily challenge of finding more than 7,000 baht for interest payments at a rate of 20%. This move comes after the government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has been focusing on resolving out-of-system debt issues for citizens…
- Thailand News
Thai loan shark arrested for scamming over 1 million baht
A crackdown led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) resulted in the arrest of a 37 year old woman for operating more than 10 illegal loan shark gambling rings. The operation defrauded victims of over 1 million baht and involved intimidation to prevent reporting of the crime. The arrest of the loan shark was executed today, December 2, following an…
- Thailand News
Tragic death of camping enthusiast in modified vehicle sparks police investigation
A tragic incident unfolded in the town of Buriram, where a camping enthusiast was found dead in his modified vehicle. The 57 year old camping enthusiast, known as Warayuth, was discovered by a friend after he spent the night camping on private land. The cause of death remains unknown and police are investigating. Upon arrival at the scene, police found…
- Thailand News
Fatal night-time collision on Uthai Thani road claims teenage life
A tragic collision on a dark road resulted in the death of a 17 year old high school student and injured two others yesterday, December 1. The incident occurred on the Khao Khong Chai-Ban Pa Ao route, in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The vehicles involved were an E-Tan pickup carrying a full load of rice, a Honda PCX scooter,…
- Thailand News
Thailand ambulance crew narrowly escapes attack by drug-crazed patient
An ambulance crew had a near-death experience when they were attacked by a patient yesterday, December 1. The patient’s relatives had obscured information, not disclosing that the patient was in a drug-induced frenzy. The patient turned violent, using an electric saw to attack the ambulance, with no one coming to the rescue. The driver’s quick thinking allowed the whole team…
- Thailand News
Chevrolet Captiva catches fire on Phaholyothin Highway
A grey Chevrolet Captiva caught fire on the side of Phaholyothin Highway, Highway No.1, Moo 2, Khao Tha Phra, Mueang Chai Nat, at around 7pm yesterday, December 1. The car, registration number KG 1615 Nakhon Sawan, was quickly spotted by local security officials from the Teachers Savings Cooperative of Chai Nat, who immediately rushed to the scene with a fire…
- Thailand News
Firefighter criticised for unprofessional conduct in fire incident (video)
A rescue worker has come under criticism for demonstrating power and being unprofessional by stepping on and kicking a junior firefighter while responding to a fire. The incident was brought to light when a Twitter user named Red Skull posted a video of the event online. The behaviour, deemed inappropriate, especially in front of locals, sparked widespread online criticism. “So…
- Thailand News
Young women ignore safety warnings at Phu Chi Fah, sparking concerns
Two young women risked their lives by crossing a safety line at Phu Chi Fah viewpoint to take photographs, triggering concerns from officials about a potential increase in copycat behaviour. Phu Chi Fah National Park in Thoeng, Chiang Rai, reported the incident occurred at 6.04am on October 26, and issued a public warning on their page. The tourist attraction has…
- Thailand News
Thai government invites citizens to register debts for resolution
The Thai government is inviting citizens to register their debts, both within and outside the formal system, to alleviate the burden of unregulated debt. This move by Prime Minister Settha Thaweesin and the Ministry of Finance is seen as a national issue, aiming to restore dignity, hope, and stability to Thai citizens suffering from the detrimental effects of unregulated debt.…
- Thailand News
Thai Ministry of Interior launches online registration for debt assistance
The Ministry of Interior has initiated a programme to assist citizens struggling with off-system debt, inviting them to enrol either online or in-person from today, December 1, until February 24 next year. This scheme is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the impact of high-interest-rate debts on the populace. For online registration, individuals can visit the website https://debt.dopa.go.th. The…
- Thailand News
Sukhothai: 24 year old man with drug addiction problems shoots grandfather
A 24 year old Thai man, who reportedly had a problem with drug addiction since high school, shot his grandfather. The young man’s mother had travelled from Bangkok to take him to rehab but instead, she arrived home to attend her father’s funeral. The incident occurred in the small district of Ban Dan Lan Hoi in Sukhothai province. The local…
- Thailand News
Motorcycle accident: Collision with food delivery truck in central Thailand causes fatality
A tragic motorcycle accident occurred today when a rider crashed into a food delivery truck, leading to the death of an unidentified male. The incident happened at 2.30am on the Bang Khaen-Nong Suea Road, near the TU Dome Plaza, in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani. The deceased had no identification documents on him, but two tablets of methamphetamine were found…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s electricity rate of 4.68 baht only a suggestion, says Energy Ministry
The suggested electricity rate of 4.68 baht per unit is merely a proposal, confirmed Energy Ministry spokesperson Pongsapol Yodmuangcharoen today. Emphasising that the final price falls under the purview of the Energy Ministry and is overseen by Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak, Pongsapol assured that it won’t be fixed at this figure. He further confirmed that consumers will not face an…
- Thailand News
Indian national arrested in Ang Thong over illegal loans in Thai baht
An Indian national has been arrested for operating an illegal daily loan scheme in Ang Thong. The arrest followed complaints by residents to the local Justice Centre about the extortionate interest rates and violent threats from the loan shark. The investigation, conducted today, November 30, found that an Indian man, identified only as Harinda, had loaned amounts ranging from 2,000…
- Thailand News
Thai community enterprise signs 100 million baht deal for Korat’s Golden Bananas export to Japan
A landmark deal worth 100 million baht has been signed between a Japanese buyer and a Thai community enterprise group for the purchase of 5,000 tonnes of Korat’s Golden Bananas. This first-ever export deal, set to greatly benefit local farmers, has been hailed for its potential to open new markets for Thai growers. The contract was signed at the Lamtakong…
- Thailand News
Young man arrested for false dietary supplement advertising on social media
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) apprehended a young man advertising dietary supplements of a popular brand on social media, with the products boasting exaggerated benefits. The suspect was charged before being handed over for prosecution today, November 30. On the previous day, the DSI’s investigative operation team, led by Witthawat Sukhantharot, Director of Trace and News Investigation Centre, captured…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai deputy police chief suspended over sexual assault allegations
The Chiang Mai Deputy Police Chief has been suspended from duty following allegations of sexually assaulting a woman he had met via Facebook. The incident reportedly took place on November 22, according to the case filed at the Muaeng Jee Police Station in Lamphun Province, case number 426/2023. The accused, a police lieutenant colonel and a deputy police chief of…
- Thailand News
Chaowalit encore: Fugitive’s frustration takes the spotlight in third video addressing Thailand’s bail system
Fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng, has once again emerged, releasing a third video in which he expresses his frustration over the issue of bail in the Thai judicial system. He questions the criteria set for granting bail in certain cases and why he was the only one who did not receive it. Chaowalit also apologises for the…
- Thailand News
Fatal road accident in Phuket: Pickup truck crashes, driver dies on spot
A fatal road accident occurred in Phuket, where a pickup truck lost control and crashed into the central road divider. The driver was thrown from the vehicle and died on the spot, while his companion, Witya, also 48 years old, was injured. At approximately 1.50am today, Police Lieutenant Thanpisit Mueangchan, an investigative officer at Thalang Police Station, was alerted to…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Weather warning for northern Thailand with temperatures expected to rise
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for the northern region of Thailand today, as temperatures are expected to rise by 3 degrees Celsius. Some areas may experience rainfall. The southern region, meanwhile, is bracing for a storm with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted. The sea is also expected to have waves higher than 2 metres.…
- Thailand News
Urgent efforts underway to return elephant herd causing havoc in central Thailand
A herd of over 100 elephants, currently causing havoc in the Prachinburi region of Thailand, are being urgently ushered back to their natural habitat. These elephants have been devastating crops, causing damage to more than 60 acres of farmland and resulting in losses exceeding 1 million baht. To mitigate this, the state is accelerating efforts to return these elephants to…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s herbal market worth skyrockets to 90,000 billion baht
Minister of Health Santi Prompat highlighted the significant growth in the market for Thai massage and food as a form of soft power for the nation. He also emphasized the rising value of herbal consumption, which has increased to 90,000 billion baht, making Thailand the third highest in Asia. This occurred during a special assembly and policy communication meeting at…
- Thailand News
TikTok user’s edible Krathong attracts catfish swarm during Loy Krathong Festival (video)
An unusual celebration of the Loy Krathong Festival was made memorable by TikTok user @sweeteiei18. The user decided to float her Krathong, a traditional Thai floating lantern, in a pond filled with catfish at her home today, November 29. However, what was meant to be a serene moment quickly turned into a hilarious spectacle as the school of catfish rapidly…
- Crime News
Jealous ex-lover triggers fatal market shooting in Nakhon Pathom
A brutal act of jealousy took place in a bustling market when an ex-lover saw his former flame with her new partner. The disgruntled man and his gang launched an attack on the new boyfriend, who later succumbed to gunshots. Police were swift to apprehend the culprits, who admitted to the crime, fuelled by unbearable jealousy. At approximately 1.30am today,…
- World News
Online insult bites back: Woman wins lawsuit over face-off with Attack on Titan comparison
A woman has successfully sued a netizen for derogatory comments comparing her face to the Attack on Titan cartoon character, resulting in a fine of approximately 13,000 baht. According to Taiwanese media Taishi News Network, the drama that began with a comment about looking like Attack on Titan has turned into a legal saga with court appearances and hefty fines.…
- Thailand News
Fairytale fiasco: Thai wedding woe as caterer goes AWOL, bride’s big day ruined
A fairytale Thai wedding in Chaiyaphum turned into a nightmare when the hired caterer failed to show up, leaving the bride and her family to scramble for a last-minute solution. The bride, 24 year old Sukanya Chaiwongsa shared her distress on social media as she recounted the disastrous day on November 25, when she had to resort to serving hotpot…
- Road deaths
Chachoengsao truck collision claims life of local street vendor
A tragic incident took place at 9.30am today when an 18-wheel truck collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a local street vendor. The event occurred on the temporary two-lane road in front of the Luang Por Utama temple, in the city of Chachoengsao. The police and emergency medical services from the Buddha Sothon Hospital were promptly on…
- Thailand News
A 23 year old man found shot dead in southern Thailand: Police launch manhunt
The tragic end of a 23 year old man suffering from panic and depression disorders was discovered in his employer’s house, where he was found shot dead in the bedroom. Police officers are actively hunting down the suspect as the investigation continues. Police officer Thanathorn Phanchu last night revealed that a murder victim was found in a two-storey house in…
- Thailand News
Rayong village chief fires gun during Loy Krathong Festival causing panic (video)
A village chief instigated fear and commotion today in Nikhom Patana, Rayong, by firing a gun during a Loy Krathong Festival at a prominent local temple. The incident was reported by 32 year old Chaiwat (no surname given) who claimed he was threatened by Chaiyaporn, the village chief. Chaiwat narrated that he went to the festival around 12.30am yesterday, November…