Nattapong Westwood
- Thailand News
Mythical Naga statue in Chon Buri temple draws crowds after lucky shadow sighting (video)
An intriguing video clip sparked a flood of visitors seeking good fortune from a statue of the mythical serpent Naga, affectionately known as Por Pu Naga, at the Woraprot Sangkawat temple in Bang Nang, Panthong, Chon Buri. The clip, shared on Facebook by a user named Rong, showed what appeared to be the shadowy outline of Naga within a simulated…
- Thailand News
Thai government denies charging 2,500 baht for airport transport for workers
The government’s deputy spokesperson clarified that the Ministry of Labour has no policy to charge 2,500 baht for airport transport for workers to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Karom Polphonklang insisted that the travel expenses for working in Israel depended on the exchange rate at that time. The statement was made today, in response to a post claiming that those going to work…
- Thailand News
Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy
The Thai government has refuted rumours of cutting funds for the digital wallet initiative from 560 billion baht (US$ 15,426,997,600) to 400 billion baht (US$ 11,019,284,000), stating that the project is not just for the underprivileged but aimed at stimulating the economy more broadly. The government is keen on weeding out the wealthy from benefiting from the scheme, which is…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai lottery fervour spikes as fortune tellers offer lucky numbers amid Vegetarian Festival
The lottery buzz is in full swing in Chiang Mai as fortune tellers provide lucky numbers and warn of double digits. Among the popular figures are ones associated with the Vegetarian Festival and the Chinese calendar. Today, the lottery stalls in Chiang Mai are buzzing with people searching for their lucky numbers. Despite the continuous rainfall, hopeful buyers flocked to…
- Crime News
Bangkok father’s repeated sexual assault on daughter leads to pregnancy: Ongoing police investigation
A 14 year old girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her biological father until she fell pregnant, as revealed by the local police in Bangkok. The girl had been living with her grandparents in Buriram province following her parents’ separation in 2011. She moved to the capital in April to attend school. Her 34 year old mother currently resides in…
- Thailand News
Significant rise in Thai gold prices: ornaments now at 33,500 baht per baht weight
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced this morning a significant increase in gold prices compared to the previous day. The increase was reported to be 550 baht (US$15), with the price of gold ornaments set at 33,500 baht per baht weight. This is a marked jump from yesterday’s closing price of 32,305.96 baht per baht weight. The report released today…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Tropical depression triggers heavy rain warnings for 47 Thai provinces, including Bangkok
Today, 47 provinces of Thailand, including Bangkok, brace for heavy rainfall due to a tropical depression covering the Gulf of Thailand. The public has been warned to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside areas and low-lying regions. The sea waves are expected to reach a height of 2 metres in areas affected by thunderstorms. The…
- Road deaths
Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck
A horrific road accident claimed two lives and injured others in the early hours of today on Asia Highway No. 32 in Ayutthaya province. The accident involved multiple motorcycles and a pickup truck, leading to a fiery aftermath. At around 12.30am, the police in Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya received a report of a serious road accident involving several motorcycles…
- World News
Justin Bieber sparks controversy with wrong image in Israel support post
Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber inadvertently stirred controversy through an Instagram post meant to extend his support to Israel but mistakenly used an image of the war-torn region in Palestine. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has resulted in countless injuries and deaths, has drawn global attention, with many celebrities weighing in. The sensitivity and complexity surrounding this issue…
- Thailand News
Health screening results reveal stress and physical injuries among Thai workers returning from Israel conflict
The Emergency Medical and Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Public Health unveiled the health screening results of 15 Thai workers who returned from Israel yesterday. Among the workers, two individuals showed signs of stress, seven reported sleep disturbances and two needed psychiatric consultation. In addition, a person who was shot in the leg required ongoing treatment. Having fled…
- Thailand News
Siam Paragon shooting claims third victim, music fan loses fight for life
The tragic shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, where a 14 year old boy opened fire on the public, claimed its third victim. Penpivan, a 14 year old girl and a devoted fan of famous singers Nont Thanont and GOT7, succumbed to her injuries after a ten-day battle. During the shocking event, she sustained critical gunshot wounds to her…
- Thailand News
Flash Express denies allegations of staff exodus and warehouse crisis
Flash Express, a prominent delivery firm, has refuted allegations of widespread employee resignations and troubling working conditions. The company confirms it’s addressing issues of package backlogs in some branches, but denies an overall warehouse crisis. Flash Express clarifies that any staff resignations are isolated incidents and not a nationwide phenomenon. Today, Flash Express issued a formal statement in response to…
- Thailand News
Revised police hair length rules in Thailand: Insights from the chief
The National Police Office recently abolished its regulation, which required male officers to have a short haircut with a maximum length of 3 centimetres on top. The new regulation allows officers to have hair up to 5 centimetres on top and 1 centimetre on the sides and back. National Police Chief, Torsak Sukvimol, explained that the change in hairstyle policy…
- Thailand News
Survivor of Israel terror attack returns to Thailand, plans to rest and recover from trauma
Kittiphong Chaiko, a Thai worker from Nong Bua Lamphu who survived a terrorist attack by the political extremist group Hamas in Israel, returned to his home in Thailand, emotionally distressed and shocked by the loss of his colleagues. He arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.20pm today, with no plans to return to Israel. Upon arrival, Kittiphong respectfully greeted his father,…
- Thailand News
Domestic violence shock: Thai celebrity’s assault on girlfriend
A brutal domestic violence incident involving a minor celebrity and his girlfriend has become the talk of the town in Thailand. The couple’s dispute, revealed in CCTV footage, was ignited when the 43 year old woman discovered that her 38 year old boyfriend, a supporting actor in various TV shows, had been unfaithful to her with five other women. The…
- Thailand News
Thai airlines rescue mission: Stormy skies delay Thai citizen return from Israel
The government spokesperson revealed that commercial airlines AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Airways are ready to retrieve Thai citizens from Israel, but current weather conditions are posing challenges. The spokesperson highlighted that alternative routes are under consideration in case of inaccessibility caused by severe weather or war conditions. At Government House at 10.25am today, Chai Wacharonke, the spokesperson for the…
- World News
Thai worker held hostage by Hamas in Israel as local officials scramble to assist
A Thai worker in Nong Bua Lam Phu, identified as Paiboon Rattanin is among a group of five to seven Thai workers captured by the Hamas group in Israel. The last contact with the 42 year old Paiboon was on October 6, before his co-workers in Israel sent footage of the group being hauled into a trailer by a tractor…
- Thailand News
Luxury van and parked truck collision results in tragic fatal crash in central Thailand
A luxury van collided with a parked 18-wheeler truck late last night, resulting in the van driver’s death in central Thailand. The truck driver admitted that he had not activated any warning or hazard lights when parked. The fatal truck crash accident took place at 11.30pm yesterday, according to Police Lieutenant Damrong Sukchoosi, the investigative officer at Bang Kaew Police…
- Thailand News
Storm warnings issued for 35 Thai provinces with Bangkok facing major impact
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued storm warnings for 35 provinces across Thailand, with Bangkok expecting to bear the brunt with 80% of the area predicted to be hit hard. The public is urged to remain vigilant as the heavy rains may cause sudden flash floods. The 24-hour weather forecast starting today, October 12, indicates a high-pressure system or cool…
- Thailand News
Tour firm directors arrested for misleading Thai workers about overseas job opportunities
A Thai police force led by senior officer Eakasit Pansita arrested two tour company directors today, for allegedly deceiving over 80 individuals with promises of overseas job opportunities. Thirty year old Warintorn and 27 year old Pattanachai were taken into custody at separate locations. Warintorn was detained at a hotel in Mu Si, Nakhon Ratchasima, while Pattanachai was arrested inside a…
- World News
Indonesian woman marries brother-in-law, causes social media storm
The viral saga of a 24 year old woman from Depok, West Java, Indonesia, has taken the social media world by storm. Surprisingly, she revealed that she married her former brother-in-law. Rafida Sonia had garnered viral attention since 2022 when she posted a heartfelt wedding video. The video featured her sister’s wedding in 2014, and it was the same brother-in-law…
- Thailand News
Phichit flooding: Eight districts hit, 885 households submerged
The province of Phichit is currently grappling with severe flooding that has affected eight districts, with as many as 885 households submerged and damage to the local infrastructure. The situation has been worsened by the overflowing of the Nan and Yom rivers, leading officials to raise red flags, signalling the start of a flood crisis. The water level in the…
- Thailand News
Delivery dilemma: Thai logistics firm in hot water as labour exploitation claims posted
A prominent private logistics company has been forced to navigate emerging challenges, as allegations of labour exploitation surge. A post from the Riders Union page highlighted the plight of the company’s employees, who face drastic cuts in their commission rates and are expected to deliver up to 200 to 500 parcels a day without overtime pay. The post alleged… “Employees…
- Crime News
Famed Thai actress reports 2.4 million baht gold trading investment scam
A former Thai soap opera actress and her husband have reported an investment scam to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), involving a gold trading business operated by the son of a famous Bangkok singer. The couple was convinced to invest in the business, promising high returns of 10%, resulting in a loss of 2.4 million baht. The former actress, 63…
- Thailand News
Torrential rains cause major disruption with flooded roads and railway lines in southern Thailand
The southern region of Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, home to Suranaree University of Technology and the 80th Anniversary Stadium, has been severely affected by the torrential rains over the past two days, causing the accumulated rainwater to total 26 centimetres. The torrential rains led to natural canals overflowing and flooding major roads and railway lines, causing significant inconvenience to the…
- Thailand News
Thai Labour Ministry addresses worker transfer issue in Israel amidst unrest
The issue of Thai workers being sold to other employers in Israel was addressed by Pairoj Chotiksathien, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour today. He clarified that the transfer of workers to new employers does not violate Israeli labour law, following an investigation by the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv. Pairoj disclosed today that he ordered the Labour…
- Thailand News
Viral elevator nightmare: Thai woman’s lift ordeal shocks the Internet (video)
A young Thai woman’s terrifying experience of being trapped alone in a continuously ascending and descending lift has gone viral online. The ordeal, shared by a TikTok user known as @dreamiiqueen, saw the lift stop at an unselected, under-construction floor, leaving her in deep shock. The video, captioned “The first and last time with this incident #stucklift #trappedinlift #lift,” garnered…
- Thailand News
Flood crisis in Thailand worsens, Kalasin and Ubon Ratchathani hit hardest
Eleven provinces in Thailand continue to grapple with severe flood crisis, with Kalasin and Ubon Ratchathani experiencing rising water levels, as of today. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has mobilised resources and personnel from various agencies to expedite flood relief operations. Heavy rainfall in the past has caused flooding across 35 provinces, affecting 52,290 households in 2,506…
- South Thailand News
Rain pours on parade: Flooding sours vegetable prices as demand greens up
The recent heavy rainfall and flooding in Central Thailand have led to increased vegetable prices at the fresh market in Betong, Yala, as the supply to the market has been significantly reduced. As the Vegetarian Festival approaches, the demand for vegetables is surmounting, causing prices to surge even more. The prices have doubled for some varieties of vegetables. In the…
- Thailand News
Harsh truths: TikTok worker debunks myths about Thai labourers in South Korea (video)
A Thai worker, known as soongphon on TikTok, has taken to the platform to share the harsh reality of Thai labourers working in South Korea. Contrary to popular belief, his videos reveal that the work environment is far from easy, dismissing any illusions of a comfortable job. The TikToker posted video clips showing the daily grind of Thai labourers in…
