- Thailand News
Thai TV host pulled from shows amid iCon Group scandal
Popular television host Kan Kantathavorn has been suspended from all Workpoint Entertainment programmes as the investigation into his alleged involvement with the controversial The iCon Group heats up. The company swiftly announced yesterday, October 10, that Kan would be removed from hosting duties with immediate effect until his ties with the scandal-plagued business are cleared up. Kan, in a bid…
- Politics News
Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
- Thailand News
Natural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam
A hidden gem in Chon Buri is making waves as locals and tourists flock to the Huay Tu Lower Reservoir for a thrilling, yet safe, water adventure. Nestled in Bang Saray, under the watchful eye of Klet Kaew subdistrict Municipality, this overflow dam has become the hottest spot for families looking to cool off. Thanks to the dam’s natural slope,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short
Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn. As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok buses introduce new safety measures for NGV fleet
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced a new safety initiative for all its buses, particularly those running on natural gas (NGV). The directive, emphasised by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, aims to elevate safety standards across the board. BMTA Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwanpolkul revealed that the organisation operates a fleet of 809 NGV buses. This includes 486 blue air-conditioned low-floor…
- Thailand News
Shell-shocked: Woman’s turtle rescue paves way for good luck
A woman recently rescued a large turtle found in the middle of the road in Phetchabun, believing it could bring her good luck. The turtle’s shell featured patterns resembling ancient coins and a sage’s head, leading to speculation about its auspicious nature. A TikTok user posted a video showing her helping the sizable turtle that was slowly crossing the street,…
- Thailand News
Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
- Thailand News
Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
- Politics News
Thailand and China’s friendship to shine on 50th anniversary
China is rolling out the red carpet for Thailand as both nations prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties next year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed to boost traditional friendship and build a China-Thailand community with a shared future in a power-packed meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Vientiane, Laos. “China and Thailand are close friends and…
- Thailand News
Prison food beef: Corrections dept serves defence to influencer gripe
The Department of Corrections responded to allegations made by social media influencer Nara Crepekathoei regarding the quality of prison food, asserting that it meets nutritional standards and undergoes daily quality inspections. Nara had criticised the food, describing it as bland and unpalatable, prompting the department to clarify its food preparation practices. Reports from the Bangkok Remand Prison indicate that the…
- Thailand News
Toying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate
Police have dismantled a gang involving nine Thai and foreign nationals who were illegally selling sex toys, seizing a substantial amount of contraband. The operation revealed a well-organised syndicate with millions in circulation. On October 10, Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, ordered Police Colonel Korkiat Wutjamnong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaphat Nampadit to…
- Thailand News
Big bike forced off road by car on Bangkok highway (video)
A dramatic incident occurred on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok when a big bike was forced off the road by a car and ended up in the median strip’s bushes. The shocking footage was captured and posted on TikTok by user @noeyjirawadee. The incident, which happened yesterday, October 10, shows the motorbike rider travelling in the middle lane behind a…
- Phuket News
Tourist trap: Russian national caught peddling illegal tours in Phuket
Police in Phuket are investigating a Russian national accused of illegally selling tours to tourists at a kiosk in Karon. A 23-second video posted online sparked outrage, with netizens criticising foreigners for allegedly taking jobs from Thai citizens. “The tour sales profession has been taken away by foreigners. Please ask the page to tell the relevant agencies to help investigate.…
- Politics News
Bhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill
The Bhumjaithai Party refrained from participating in a House vote rejecting the Senate’s decision to maintain the double-majority clause in the constitutional referendum bill, according to party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The House of Representatives voted 348 to zero yesterday, October 10, to reject the Senate’s amendments to the referendum bill, with 65 abstentions. The original House-endorsed bill proposed a change…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya punch: Man arrested after leaving four on the ropes
A 34 year old Thai man has been arrested in connection with a violent attack that injured four people in Pattaya last month. Nong Prue police detained the perpetrator at his residence on Soi Mab Song yesterday, October 10, following a warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court for assault charges. The incident occurred in the early hours of September…
- Thailand News
Thailand proposes informal talks on Myanmar crisis in December
Thailand proposed hosting informal consultations in December to address the crisis in Myanmar, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankur revealed the offer during an online press conference coinciding with the first day of the ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Vientiane. “Our proposal is backed by Laos [the current ASEAN chair] and Malaysia [the incoming…
- Thailand News
Bacterial infections: Thailand’s silent killers strike flood victims
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a warning as cases of Leptospirosis and Melioidosis surge amidst the rainy season and floods. Both bacterial infections are on the rise, particularly threatening children, and require immediate attention. In just the first nine months of this year, around 6,000 cases have been reported, leading to a staggering 119 deaths. Leptospirosis, often spread…
- Thailand News
Move over ChatGPT, Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai
In a bold move to challenge OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is rolling out its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Meta AI, to 21 new markets, including Thailand. With Thai language support now on the table, Meta is upping the stakes in the race for AI chatbot supremacy. Big tech companies have been fiercely competing to attract…
- Thailand News
US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand
In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…
- Phuket News
Dam full: Phuket’s reservoirs overflow as Bang Niew hits 103%
Phuket’s reservoirs are bursting at the seams, with Bang Niew Dam in Srisoonthorn now at a staggering 103% capacity. The island is bracing for more rain and potential flash floods through to Saturday, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of continued downpours. Bang Niew Dam currently holds a whopping 7.39 million cubic metres of water, surpassing its official capacity…
- Thailand News
Butterbear fan meet in Thailand criticised for high ticket prices
The fan meets event in Thailand for the popular mascot Butterbear sparked a heated debate due to the high ticket prices, comparable to major Korean artist concerts. The event, titled Butterbear’s 1st Fam Meeting: Adventure Awaits! is scheduled for November 9 to 10 at MGI Hall, Bravo BKK in Huai Kwang district, Bangkok. Tickets are priced from 1,900 baht to…
- Thailand News
Thai woman logged for selling phantom furniture online
Thai police arrested a 31 year old Thai woman for allegedly defrauding customers through a Facebook page by selling non-existent wooden furniture. She was taken into custody near Wat Tha Kwian in Nonthaburi. The investigation revealed that on June 23, 2022, a victim reported to Mae Chan Police Station that they had been deceived. On June 10 of the same…
- Thailand News
Don’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards
Thailand should embrace trade opportunities with China rather than follow Indonesia’s lead in banning the Chinese e-commerce platform TEMU, say experts. In light of Indonesia’s recent decision to prohibit the TEMU application, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) voiced its opposition to a similar move by Thailand. Wimol Pankong, Deputy Director (Academic) of ITD, urged the Thai government…
- Thailand News
Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown
Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…
- Thailand News
Former Aussie cop’s epic run across Thailand for tsunami victims
A former forensic cop from Australia is gearing up for his biggest physical challenge yet—a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand in December. Dubbed “Run to Remember,” this endurance test marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives worldwide, including 5,400 in Thailand. Starting on December 1, charity Hands Across the Water founder Peter Baines…
- Thailand News
Thai king’s birthday sparks 10 royal projects to transform Bangkok
To celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday, the Thai government has launched 10 ambitious royal projects under the theme Forest, Water, People. These initiatives align with His Majesty’s vision to blend environmental conservation with improving the quality of life for Thai citizens. Among the standout projects is the Elevate Pocket Park initiative, a partnership between the government and…
- World News
Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster. Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly…
- Thailand News
Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid
Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…
- Thailand News
Thai delivery rider arrested for cop assault in road rage bust-up
A delivery rider was finally arrested after he threw a punch at a police officer during a heated confrontation in Nonthaburi last week following an unusual road rage saga that spiralled into a legal mess. The drama unfolded at 4pm on October 3 near the Prachachuen intersection bridge, where 26 year old Sahapap Morawan believed police were unnecessarily blocking the…
- Thailand News
Thai cyber police arrest gold scammer in 85 million baht fraud
Cyber police arrested a 31 year old Thai man for allegedly conducting livestreamed scams involving the sale of gold at significantly reduced prices, resulting in over 500 victims and damages exceeding 85 million baht. Police executed a search warrant on a residence in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, following an investigation. Phromthada, also known as Mae Bainaad, director of Thada…
