Neill Fronde
- Phuket News
New PM Srettha visits Phuket, talks airport expansion, busin
The new Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, recently made an official visit to Phuket. He held extensive discussions concerning the proposed expansion of Phuket International Airport and future strategies for the development of the province’s tourism industry. Srettha, renowned for his proactive approach to governance, arrived at Phuket International Airport yesterday around 11am. In a series of meetings with…
- Economy News
Thai exports suffer 10th month of decline amid global economic challenges
In July, Thai exports decreased more than anticipated for the 10th successive month. The drop is primarily due to a decline in global commodity prices since their peak in the early months of the Russia-Ukraine conflict last year. High interest rates and stringent lending conditions, compounded by weak global demand, have led to a slowdown in consumer spending, explained Keerati…
- Crime News
Criminal steals police gun and man’s motorcycle to flee
A criminal in the city centre of Uttaradit, Thailand, sparked a manhunt when he snatched a police officer’s gun and commandeered a local resident’s motorcycle. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, who quickly mobilised forces to apprehend the suspect. The incident took place at the Ban Ko Red Light Intersection in Uttaradit City in the northern province…
- World News
OnlyFans’ pre-tax profits soar to 18.5 billion baht as user numbers surge
OnlyFans, the renowned online platform for content creators, has reported a staggering dividend of US$338 million, equivalent to approximately 11.9 billion baht. Phoenix International, the parent company of OnlyFans with its headquarters in England, disclosed that annual profits have soared beyond US$500 million (17.6 billion baht). This follows an influx of more than three million creators and over 240 million…
- Business News
GAC to invest 6bn baht in Thai EV and battery factories
Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), China’s second-largest electric vehicle (EV) seller, is set to invest 6 billion baht in the construction of EV and battery factories in Thailand over the next three to five years. The move will transform the country into a key production and export base for the firm. Ocean Ma, who oversees the company’s subsidiaries, Aion Automobile Manufacturing…
- Transport News
Passenger criticises air hostess over luggage assistance refusal
[An UPDATE to this story paints a different perspective to the original confrontation with the air hostess over the passenger’s luggage.] An incident occurred yesterday when a woman took to social media to criticise an air hostess for refusing to assist her with her luggage. The woman, who was on a VietJet airline flight, lamented the poor service and asked…
- World News
US Federal Reserve poised to raise interest rates for inflation control
The chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, announced last Friday that they are prepared to increase interest rates further if needed. The central bank aims to maintain high rates until inflation approaches its 2% target. Powell highlighted that despite the recent decline of inflation from its peak, it remains excessively high. In his address to the annual symposium of…
- Transport News
Don Mueang station’s escalators and elevators back in service after repairs
Don Mueang station’s escalators and elevators on the Red Line are fully operational after completing repair and maintenance work. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) confirmed the news after an inspection carried out yesterday. Pichet Khunathamrak, the DRT director-general, confirmed that all 24 escalators and nine elevators are now in service. Ongoing repair work at Wat Samianaree, Bang Khen, Lak…
- Bangkok News
Chemical tank explosion causes panic in Bangkok district
A dramatic scene in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district this morning saw a chemical tank at Chalermchaicharn Co, a printing ink factory, suddenly erupt in an explosive burst. This chemical tank explosion incident, although unsettling, thankfully did not result in any significant injuries or fatalities. The explosion occurred around 9.52am at Soi Ekkachai 66/3 and 66/4, situated off Ekkachai Road. According to…
- Thailand News
Korat restaurant’s unique billing system in Laotian kip amuses diners
Imagine enjoying a fine meal and, when the bill comes, it costs hundreds of thousands. A Laotian restaurant in Korat has been giving a shock that turns into amusement amongst diners with its unusual billing system. The eatery, which has been widely shared on social media, charges customers hundreds of thousands for their meals – but in Laotian kip, not…
- Northern Thailand News
Phayao government official under investigation for accident involving state vehicle
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) ordered an investigation into a government official in Phayao province. The woman in question was caught using a state vehicle for personal use. The government official may have escaped with the abuse of state property for personal use, except that, while driving the car, she crashed the vehicle. The incident happened today…
- Politics News
Digital wallet pioneering: Prime Minister’s blueprint for national advancement
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed his readiness to manage the country’s development and drive full-fledged policies. The concept of a digital wallet is at the top of his agenda. PM Srettha emphasised that the current coalition government, comprising various political parties, needs to respect each other’s policies. The formation of the Cabinet is still in progress, with negotiations and discussions…
- World News
Drunk Vietnamese husband’s public affection on motorbike ride home captures hearts online
In a heartwarming scene that unfolded after a night of revelry, a drunk Vietnamese husband demonstrated his affectionate side as his wife arrived on a motorbike to collect him. Their touching interaction, captured by passersby and shared widely on social media, has garnered praise for their loving relationship and the husband’s responsible decision not to drive under the influence. For…
- Transport News
Bumpy road, broken spirits: Buriram locals rally for repairs after 50 years of dismay
Residents of Kok Pho in Buriram expressed their dismay at the state of a dilapidated road that has been in a state of disrepair for over 50 years, causing numerous accidents and commuting a challenge. They urgently request relevant authorities to expedite road repairs. Representatives from the villages of Kok Pho and Kok Ta Baek in the Isaan Khet district…
- Phuket News
Motorcycle driver charged after road rage incident with bus in Phuket
A heated altercation between a tour bus driver and a Grab motorcycle driver yesterday led to police intervention on the main route through Pa Khlok, Phuket. The incident, which took place near the PTT petrol station, resulted in the bus driver’s side window being shattered. The tour bus, which belonged to Pornprom Corporation Co Ltd, found itself at the centre…
- Transport News
Train drivers prevent disaster, stopping just metres from man on tracks
The near-death experience of an unidentified man was shared by a train driver on the Captain in Train Facebook page. The video showed a mysterious man standing on the train tracks, apparently hoping to be hit. The driver, Choonya Sathiranon and his colleague Thepnurak Choochuai, working in the Hat Yai district, Songkhla, South Thailand were operating express train number 169…
- World News
Skipping breakfast linked to major heart problems warns Taiwanese cardiologist
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” has been a common adage for many years and one backed by a Taiwanese cardiologist who warned of the critical importance of eating breakfast and not skipping meals. The caution came after the sudden cardiac arrest of a 29 year old man that led him to the brink of death. His…
- Thailand News
Security guard fights off python attack and then wins lottery
Sarayut Malachan had a rollercoaster of luck this past week. After purchasing some lottery tickets and boiling up some snake eggs to eat, he was attacked by a large python. While recovering from the vengeful snake bite, he discovered he won the lottery. The 68 year old man was sleeping in a security post on a chicken farm when the…
- World News
British trans comedian Darcie Silver dies unexpectedly in Thailand at 35
Darcie Silver, a trans comedian from Britain who hit the spotlight with her groundbreaking performance at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019, met an untimely demise in Thailand at the tender age of 35. The specifics surrounding her sudden departure remain as yet unknown. However, what is undeniably clear is the profound impact Silver managed to leave behind, courtesy…
- Politics News
Ex-PM Thaksin begins 8-year prison term in medical ward
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 74 years old, is currently housed in a private room in the medical ward of the Bangkok Remand Prison due to his four underlying health conditions, including heart and lung problems. The head of the Department of Corrections, Aryut Sinthoppan, revealed this information to journalists yesterday. The news follows the Supreme Court’s decision to sentence…
- China News
60 year old Chinese man dons frog mascot costume for romantic surprise
Romance isn’t just for the young, as proven by a 60 year old man from China who surprised his girlfriend with a charming public gesture. Donning an adorable frog mascot costume, the man waited for his partner on a busy street, with their sweet interaction caught on camera and subsequently shared online, sparking widespread admiration. The heartwarming video was posted…
- Central Thailand News
UPDATE: Man lost in wilderness found after king cobra encounter
In an update to a story earlier today, an elderly man lost in the Khao Sanam Priang Wildlife Sanctuary in Kamphaeng Phet province has been found alive. He had been foraging with a friend and the duo were in search of wild mushrooms and other forest yields. However, their day took an unexpected turn when Phorn lost his way and encountered a king…
- Economy News
Evergrande collapse in China set to hit Thai tourism and exports
The Thai tourism and export sectors are set to experience a significant impact due to the financial downfall of China’s real estate giant, Evergrande. The Evergrande collapse revelation came from Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Head of Policy and Trade Strategy Office (PTS), Ministry of Commerce, today. He suggested business operators closely monitor the situation. Evergrande, a giant in China’s real estate sector,…
- Crime News
Trang plantation owner surrenders after fatal shooting of alleged thief
A confrontation in Trang between a palm plantation owner and an alleged thief ended in a fatal shooting. The owner, a 55 year old man, fired two rounds from his registered .357 revolver, killing a 42 years old man who he claimed was secretly stealing palm fruit from his plantation. Later, the gunman surrendered himself to the Wang Wiset Police…
- Cannabis News
Phuket authorities takes action against 13 illegal cannabis shops
A crackdown is underway in Phuket, where legal proceedings have been initiated against 13 illegal cannabis shops operating without proper licensing. The local health authority, under the direction of Chief Doctor Kusak Kookietikun of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, confirmed the actions on Monday. The majority of these unlicensed shops, nine in total, are located in Kathu. Meanwhile, Mueang…
- Phuket News
DSI investigates 225 million baht land encroachment in Sirinath National Park
An expanse of land in Phuket, valued at over 225 million baht, is currently under scrutiny for allegedly infringing on the territory of the Sirinath National Park. Police Captain Piya Raksakul, Deputy Director General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrived in Phuket yesterday, intending to examine the situation. Accompanying Piya was Police Lieutenant Colonel Amorn Hongsritong, head of…
- Central Thailand News
Search for elderly man lost in Kamphaeng Phet forest continues
A 71 year old man has gone missing in a dense forest under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Conservation Zone in Kamphaeng Phet province. Over 50 forest officials, administrators, and local villagers have launched an extensive search, combing the forest area for any signs of the man. The missing septuagenarian is Phorn Muekkwang, a local from Nong Kong Village. He…
- Phuket News
Crop theft dispute escalates to shooting in quiet Phuket town
A dispute over stolen crops escalated into a shooting incident in the quiet town of Thalang, Phuket. A 33 year old man, resorted to using his airgun, leading to the injury of a 24 year old man. The incident occurred in a private garden, where the suspect was known to scare off birds using his air-powered firearm. Thalang Police were…
- Economy News
CardX braces for regulatory change raising customer debt repayment 3%
CardX, a credit card service provider operating under SCB X Group, anticipates a potential issue with customer compliance linked to an upcoming regulatory change from the Bank of Thailand. The central bank presently permits credit card users to repay their debt at a minimum rate of 5% of the overall credit balance each month, a measure introduced to aid consumers…