- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for heavy rain in 49 provinces today
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned that 49 provinces in Thailand should brace for rain, with heavy downpours expected in the northern and eastern regions. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its vicinity will experience rain from afternoon to evening. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast indicates that a southwesterly monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand, while a low-pressure area is present…
- Thailand News
Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on
A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…
- Thailand News
Interest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced a significant reduction in housing loan interest rates by 0.5% for one year, aiming to support citizens during challenging economic times. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa revealed this decision at a press conference at Government House at 10am today, May 28. The Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI)…
- Thailand News
Tourism boom: Thailand clocks in 14.3 million visitors
Thailand welcomed 14.3 million international tourists in the first five months of this year, generating close to 683 billion baht (US$18.7 billion) in revenue. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, shared these figures, highlighting the significant contribution of foreign visitors to the country’s economy from January 1 to May 26. The top five countries with the highest number of…
- Thailand News
Police bust heroin smuggling gang after high-speed chase
The Thai authorities apprehended a transnational heroin smuggling gang after a high-speed chase ended with the suspect’s vehicle crashing into a roadside forest. Police discovered 380 bars of heroin weighing 139 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of 280 million baht. At 9.30am yesterday, senior police officials held a press conference at the Region 4 Provincial Police headquarters, announcing the…
- Thailand News
Immigration’s fruitful swoop on illegal vendors selling durians
Immigration Division 1 officers swooped on illegal seasonal fruit vendors, arresting several foreign nationals attempting to sell durians and other fruits on Nawamin Road in Bangkok. They were promptly apprehended despite efforts to flee on motorised tricycles. Commander of Immigration Division 1, Police Major General Prasart Khemaprasit, along with Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Keeratisak Kongkiatsiri, and Investigation Superintendent, Police Colonel Kachapon…
- Thailand News
Fisherman swept away in Chiang Mai, search efforts intensify
Search efforts continue for a missing fisherman swept away by heavy waves while fishing in Chiang Mai. Relatives conducted a ceremony to appease local spirits as authorities were using heavy machinery to excavate potential burial sites, and divers searched the river. The 35 year old fisherman had gone fishing with 46 year old Piboon Sujai, and other friends at a weir…
- Thailand News
Shocking find: Police zap unsafe electronics sold at bargain prices
The Thai authorities successfully seized a large number of unsafe electronics, including substandard power banks and adapters, which were being sold at suspiciously low prices both in physical stores and online. This crackdown took place yesterday, with authorities aiming to prevent potential explosions and fires often associated with these unsafe products. Head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), Police…
- Thailand News
Police imposters abduct shop owner’s sister, demand ransom
A group of men allegedly posing as police officers raided a Narathiwat grocery store, drove out customers, and abducted the shop owner’s sister, demanding a 30,000 baht ransom. The incident occurred yesterday, sparking outrage and calls for an investigation. Four to five men claimed to be officers from a special task force, entering the store without a warrant. They intimidated customers…
- Thailand News
Man fatally stabs friend to death over 20 baht in Chon Buri
A Thai man fatally stabbed his friend in Chon Buri after he refused to lend 20 baht. The tragic incident occurred earlier today, with police receiving a report of a stabbing at 12.30am in Mueang District. Upon arrival, officers found 43 year old Nirun critically injured with a stab wound to his left collarbone. Despite immediate CPR efforts, he was…
- Thailand News
Engineer gifts bride 120 baht of gold matching her weight
A young engineer made headlines by presenting 120 baht of gold, equivalent to the bride’s weight, as a dowry. The event, attended by many notable figures, took place yesterday in Pathum Thani. Kriangkrai Kadsa, known as Joe, led a vibrant procession to ask for the hand of Kewalin Kitiwan, also called Annie. The bride’s family, originally from Kamphaeng Phet, had…
- Thailand News
Gold stealing Taxi driver arrested for 2 million baht haul
In a swift operation, police detained a taxi driver who was reportedly found in possession of gold worth 1.9 million baht. This follows a gold shop employee’s reports of losing over 40 baht of gold while en route to deliver the valuables to her place of employment in Yaowarat. Chaiyaporn, the gold shop owner, initially offered a 100,000 baht reward…
- Thailand News
Thai man ends life after failing to settle child molestation case
A 66 year old man, distressed over failing to settle a molestation case involving a 10 year old girl, ended his life with a firearm yesterday. The incident occurred at an unnamed rowhouse in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, and was reported to the police by 8.10am. Responding to the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jirasak and a rescue team…
- Thailand News
Fire destroys century-old house in Krabi, killing elderly woman
A tragic fire engulfed a century-old house, claiming the life of a 70 year old woman while her 85 year old sister narrowly escaped by hiding in the bathroom. Firefighters took five hours to subdue the inferno. At 3am yesterday, Police Captain Kiatichai Yodrak of Klong Thom Police Station in Krabi province received a report of a fire in a…
- Thailand News
Buriram village builds shrine for Golden Boy replica
The local municipality and residents are actively constructing a replica shrine and lifelike statue of the Golden Boy at the excavation site, using funds raised through faith and donations. A grand ceremony is planned for July 18 to honour the artefact. Following the repatriation of the bronze sculptures of Lord Shiva, known as the Golden Boy, and the Kneeling Female…
- Thailand News
Mother faces 2.6 million baht debt from 10,000 baht loan
A mother who borrowed 10,000 baht to pay her child’s school fees 12 years ago is now struggling under a crippling debt of 2.6 million baht in interest. The mother, who initially took out the loan when her child was in primary school, is now seeking help from a popular Facebook page, Survive – Sai Mai Must Survive, to resolve…
- Thailand News
Monitor lizard sparks electricity office chaos in Thailand
A large monitor lizard caused quite a stir when it wandered into the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) office in Sara Buri, Thailand. The unexpected visitor prompted a call for assistance from rescue volunteers to safely capture and relocate the creature. This morning, security officers at the PEA office in Sara Buri’s Pak Phriao sub-district reported spotting the sizeable reptile, weighing…
- Thailand News
Thai mobile banking sim names & accounts must match or else
Starting tomorrow, individuals using mobile banking in Thailand must ensure that the name registered on their mobile SIM card matches the name on their bank account. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of their mobile banking services. Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society announced a new measure aimed at curbing fraudulent bank accounts and SIM cards, commonly…
- Thailand News
Phuket: Belgian expat’s secret stash of illegal pawn busted
Phuket unveiled a clandestine operation hidden within the opulent residence of a Belgian national. Motorcycles, an array of national IDs, and a single mobile phone were found in the expat’s possession. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thepnom Suwannarat, Superintendent of Investigation Division 3, Provincial Police Region 8, bore fruit as he apprehended a 63 year old Belgian, known only as Philippe. His…
- Thailand News
Thailand to launch cyber-command unit for digital defence
Thailand is poised to bolster its cyber warfare capabilities with the establishment of a dedicated cyber-command unit by October. This initiative, revealed by Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, aims to strengthen the country’s defence against emerging digital threats. General Songwit Noonphakdi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), has been tasked with creating the unit following…
- Thailand News
Finance Ministry to discuss new economic stimulus measures
The Ministry of Finance is currently considering new economic stimulus measures to boost the economy in the second half of 2024. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira held discussions about the economic situation, particularly focusing on economic figures. Despite the government’s extensive stimulus efforts, the economy grew by 1.5% in the first quarter of 2024, which, although…
- Thailand News
Diesel shock: Fuel Fund revs prices to 32.44 baht per litre
The Fuel Fund today announced an increase in the diesel price by 50 satangs per litre, raising it to 32.44 baht per litre, effective tomorrow. Despite reduced expenses, the fund still faces liquidity issues, according to the Director of the Fuel Fund Office, Wisak Wattanaphap. The Fuel Fund Management Committee convened and recognised the need to enhance the liquidity of…
- Thailand News
Release of sensitive CCTV footage of Netiporn delayed
The Department of Corrections has clarified its position regarding a lawyer’s request for CCTV footage taken while medical personnel were treating Netiporn Sanesangkhom, also known as Bung Taluwang, who later died during her hunder strike. The department stated that they could not yet provide the footage from the correctional hospital as it must be reviewed to ensure legal accuracy and…
- Thailand News
Ministry tightens billboard inspections for public safety
The Ministry of Interior intensified the inspection of large billboards over concerns about their structural safety. Damaged billboards must be promptly repaired, and non-compliance will result in immediate removal and legal action. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that public safety is the top priority, highlighting the importance of rigorous enforcement to prevent any potential hazards caused…
- Thailand News
Centenarian couple in Trang share secrets to longevity
Two elders, known as Grandfather Dam and Grandmother Kam, both over a century old and residents of Trang Province, Thailand, have shared their secrets to longevity and good health. Despite their advanced age, both remain remarkably active and healthy. Grandfather Dam Chaisongkram was born in 1922 and is now 101 years old. His wife, Grandmother Kam Chaisongkram, born in 1924,…
- Thailand News
Lopburi authorities struggle to capture monkeys amid heavy rain
Lopburi authorities have launched a major operation to capture over 30 monkeys from buildings amidst heavy rain, but the intelligent primates have proven difficult to trap. Authorities from the Department of National Parks (DNP) and Lopburi Municipality set up large monkey traps, each measuring 1.8 metres wide, 1.8 metres tall, and 15 metres long, in various parts of Lopburi city,…
- Thailand News
Surin woman scoops lottery after heeding mysterious whisper
A woman’s life in Surin was changed forever when she found a lost lottery ticket in her bag and realised it had won first prize. The winning lottery number, 205690, was for the draw held on May 16. The 52 year old woman who resides in Lampduan district, shared her extraordinary story. She had bought a lottery ticket on a whim…
- Pattaya News
Man assaulted with iron rod in Pattaya, suffers severe injuries
Security footage revealed a group of men assaulting a victim with an iron rod in Pattaya, leading to severe injuries requiring eight stitches. The victim, who had no prior acquaintance with the assailants, calls for authorities to apprehend the attackers. Today, 25 year old Pattaya native, Thawatchai reported being attacked by a group of unknown men. He suffered a head…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Ratchasima locals spoon up a ‘fungi’-tastic forest feast
Residents of Nakhon Ratchasima have been flocking to the forests, armed with spoons and ladles, to collect hed phor, a mushroom and local delicacy. This sought-after mushroom, prized for its distinct texture and flavour, can fetch up to 500 baht per kilogramme in the market. Also known as false earthstar or barometer earthstar, reports indicate that an influx of locals…
- Thailand News
Monk donates 300,000 baht to rebuild fire-damaged residence
A monk known for altruism donated 300,000 baht to aid in rebuilding a fire-damaged monk’s residence at Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi. The fire tragically claimed the lives of three boys, with the exact cause still under investigation. Kom Saengbumrung, the former Director of the Engineering Division of Nonthaburi Municipality, was tasked yesterday, May 23, at 6.30pm by Luang Ta Sin…
