- Thailand News
Thai PM and Interior Minister slam brakes on gun licences until December 2024
In a bid to quell the rising tide of shooting tragedies, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have issued a joint directive, temporarily halting the issuance of gun licences until December 19, 2024. The move, effective yesterday, December 20, was officially announced by Traisulee Traisoranakul, deputy government spokesperson, who revealed that the directive had been published in…
- Thailand News
Thai artist’s ethical odyssey: Morals across time and culture
In a riveting solo exhibition, Thai artist Sakarin Krue-On intricately weaves the tapestry of human morality, transcending temporal and cultural confines. Rather than a scathing critique of progress or tradition, his art masterfully unveils the intricate web of consequences arising from our choices, encouraging introspection on the pivotal moments where good and evil collide, irrespective of cultural or temporal backdrops. At…
- Thailand News
Foreigners defrauded by Thai woman with their passports leads to arrest
More than 30 foreigners turned the tables on a 33 year old woman, dragging her to the Pattaya City Police Station with a trove of 40 passports. The former language school teacher, Supawadee Thongnoi, stands accused of a cunning visa renewal scam that left expats high and dry in Thailand. Previously, victims had lodged complaints at the Pattaya City Police…
- Thailand News
KBank to create digital currency system
As mainstream lenders remain cautious about digital assets, Kasikornbank (KBank) is on a mission to create a digital-asset ecosystem, providing a groundbreaking funding route for companies. KBank acquired the licenced digital-asset exchange Satang Corp in October. Notably, this acquisition marks a rare instance of an established lender stepping into the crypto trading platform domain. The rebranded Satang Pro platform, now…
- Thailand News
MFP Pita defends himself over shareholding charge at Constitutional Court
Pita Limjaroenrat, the advisory chairman of the Move Forward Party (MFP), defends himself at the Constitutional Court over the charges against him for the iTV shareholding case. The Court was poised to dissect his involvement in the beleaguered iTV – a spectacle eagerly anticipated by political enthusiasts. At precisely 9.10am, Pita, exuding an air of calm confidence, addressed the media.…
- Thailand News
Thai government ditches 300-baht fee for tourists: Massive insurance plan
In a bold move to restore tourist trust, Thailand‘s Tourism and Sports Ministry has abandoned the long-delayed 300-baht tourism fee and is now looking for another type of insurance for tourists. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading a grand plan to offer a whopping 500,000 baht coverage for injuries and a jaw-dropping 1 million baht in the event of a…
- Thailand News
Eco-friendly e-pedicabs revolutionise Vientiane’s transport scene
In a groundbreaking move towards a greener, quieter Vientiane, the Laos-Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project has unveiled an innovative non-motorised initiative set to transform the city centre. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s Department of Transport, the project aims to combat air and noise pollution. Introducing a novel addition to the bustling streets of Vientiane, the project…
- Thailand News
China’s deadliest earthquake in years leaves 127 dead in Gansu (video)
Northwest China is reeling from the aftermath of a monstrous 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Gansu province, marking the country’s deadliest seismic event since 2014. The toll stands at 127 lives lost, with fears that the numbers may surge as icy conditions and treacherous terrains impede rescue efforts. As President Xi Jinping mobilises thousands of rescue crews to the impoverished…
- Thailand News
Air Arabia soars to new heights: Inaugural flight to Phuket unveils sky-high perks for budget travellers
Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched its maiden flight to Phuket, Thailand, lifting off from the iconic Sharjah International Airport in the UAE. Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer Adel Al Ali, was beaming with pride as he celebrated this milestone, emphasising the airline’s unwavering dedication to making travel accessible and…
- Thailand News
Halal holidays: Malaysia lifts ban, allowing Christmas greetings on Muslim cakes
Malaysia‘s halal-certified bakeries are breaking free from a three-year ban on Christmas greetings. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) declared yesterday, December 18, that businesses can now sprinkle some Yuletide joy on their cakes. The change came after a viral uproar over a leaked internal memo from Berry’s, a popular bakery chain, instructing staff to steer clear of Merry…
- Thailand News
West Thailand: Tiger cubs spotted in secret jungle hideout
Hidden cameras deep within Kanchanaburi‘s Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary have snapped jaw-dropping photos of two tiger cubs. Trail cameras, strategically placed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, recently struck gold, capturing never-before-seen snapshots of the tiger cubs on August 3. These heart-melting images reveal the untamed beauty of nature’s fiercest felines. Officials from the Department collaborated with…
- Thailand News
Malaysia’s Health Minister reveals bold move: Not returning to Covid lockdowns
Malaysia‘s Health Minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, declared yesterday, December 18, that the country has no plans to reinstate the dreaded Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO). “For the time being, we are not considering reinstating the MCO, although a lot of people are talking about it on X.” The minister assured the public that despite a surge in infections, the situation is…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha reveals bold plans for seamless tourism and rice boost in regional summit
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed visionary plans to foster seamless tourism among Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The grand revelation unfolded during a high-profile meeting with the leaders of these nations on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit, celebrating Japan’s half-century collaboration with ASEAN countries. During a tête-à-tête with Vietnam President Võ Văn Thưởng, Srettha enthusiastically announced the revival of…
- Thailand News
Freedom fighter or foe? Trial of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the fearless founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily, is set to face the music in a high-stakes trial that could see him behind bars for life. The United States and British governments are sounding the alarm, calling for Lai’s release as he stands accused of collusion with foreign forces under Beijing’s controversial national security law. Lai,…
- Thailand News
Singapore hotel receptionist allegedly aids sex workers
A 36 year old Vietnamese hotel receptionist stands accused of not only harbouring sex workers but also pilfering a share of their earnings. The scandal unfolded at the Lion Peak Hotel Bugis on Beach Road, Singapore, as Michael Tay Fook Meng, the 51 year old hotel manager, now dubbed a hotel keeper, faces charges for violating Hotel Licensing Regulations. According…
- Economy News
Shocking poverty report exposes Thailand’s hidden crisis: Top 10 struggling provinces revealed
In a groundbreaking summit titled Bridging the Gap: Thailand’s Path to Inclusive Prosperity, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), in collaboration with the World Bank, has unravelled an alarming reality about poverty persisting in certain provinces despite an overall reduction in inequality. According to the latest assessment of Thailand’s situation last year, the nation has witnessed a commendable…
- Thailand News
Honesty prevails: Seafood restaurant staff’s noble act returns lost fortune to tourists
In a heartwarming twist of fate, a group of tourists, seemingly from the Middle East, narrowly escaped a financial catastrophe after leaving behind a bag loaded with 9,275 Dirhams and 105 US Dollars, totalling around 100,000 baht at the renowned Moom Aroi seafood restaurant in the Na Kluea area. On the evening of December 13, two women and two men…
- Thailand News
Mysterious body of foreigner floating in Sattahip bay
Sattahip police received a distress call from a vigilant local fisherman who stumbled upon a body about 500 metres offshore near an island in Sattahip Bay on December 16. Rushing to the scene, an elite team of investigative police and a search and rescue unit were met with the sight of an unknown male, clad in nothing but black shorts,…
- Aviation News
Pattaya Airways takes flight in Q4 2024
At an exclusive event in Bangkok, the CEO of the Pattaya Group Tosaporn Asunee, announced the imminent takeoff of Pattaya Airways in the fourth quarter of 2024. Tosaporn stated… “We see a rising demand for air transportation services as the post-Covid situation stabilises. “The industry is bouncing back, and the demand is increasing rapidly. Recognising this opportunity for expansion, we decided…
- Thailand News
Visitors to explore the depths of heroism in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave
A handful of thrill-seeking visitors now have the golden ticket to explore the hidden depths of chambers 2 and 3 in Tham Luang Cave, nestled within Chiang Rai province. Renowned for the sensational 2018 Wild Boar football team rescue, this daring escapade promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of heroism. Registration kicked off on December 15, granting access to…
- Thailand News
Revolutionary reforms: Government’s 90-day plan to boost economy
In a move to transform the nation‘s fortune, the Public Relations Department has unveiled a game-changing report highlighting the government‘s efforts to boost the economy over the last 90 days. The report, released with much fanfare yesterday, December 18, boasts an array of initiatives aimed at cutting costs, boosting income, and ushering in a new era of prosperity. Chai Watcharong,…
- Thailand News
New York Metropolitan Museum: Stolen Thai ancient artifacts to be returned
The prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York has yielded to pressure, agreeing to return 16 Khmer-era ancient artifacts to Cambodia and Thailand. Unraveling a tale of illicit trafficking, these masterpieces were linked to the late Douglas Latchford, a notorious dealer accused of dealing in ancient artifacts. The Met, under scrutiny for years, succumbed to the Cambodian government’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s path to net-zero: 6 mega-trends to combat carbon missions
Renewable energy, electric vehicles, hydrogen, and the circular economy are the knights in shining armour, charging into the battleground of carbon emissions, claims Melissa Moi, the head of sustainable business at the United Overseas Bank (Thailand). This revelation comes on the heels of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, where the imminent industrial upheaval stole the spotlight. Climate…
- Thailand News
Former MFP leader Pita faces court drama over media scandal
The former leader of the Move Forward party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, is gearing up for a courtroom showdown to defend himself against allegations involving a media scandal. Former MFP leader Pita has declared his readiness to face the Constitutional Court next Wednesday, December 20. The political maverick is set to battle allegations that he held shares in the now-defunct iTV…
- Thailand News
Zika virus panic in Hua Hin: 10 confirmed cases, officials call for emergency meeting
Officials convened yesterday, December 14, to tackle the escalating concerns surrounding the Zika virus outbreak in Hua Hin. With a staggering 10 confirmed cases in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the situation has hit a critical point, prompting a high-stakes meeting chaired by Dr Watcharapong Luangprairot, Deputy Provincial Public Health Doctor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, at the Hua Hin Municipal Office’s Chomsin…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong police offer 4 million baht rewards for overseas dissidents
Hong Kong police raised eyebrows by doubling the stakes, offering staggering rewards of HK$1 million (4 million baht) for information on five more local dissidents currently residing overseas. This controversial move amplifies the ongoing news of the authorities resorting to bounties in their pursuit of pro-democracy activists. At a press briefing yesterday, December 14, Chief Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the…
- Thailand News
IndiGo unleashes Phuket frenzy: Boosts flights, beats malfunction woes
In a bold move to amplify global ties, IndiGo, India‘s high-flying airline, unleashed a flight bonanza, with additional routes from Mumbai to Phuket and the revival of operations from Bengaluru to the Thai hotspot. But that’s not all—this strategic move comes amidst a soaring demand for year-end getaways. IndiGo is set to soar to new heights with extra flights connecting Mumbai…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism booms as over a quarter vow to return: Visa insights
A Visa study has uncovered that Thailand is set to witness a tourism surge with a whopping 28% of travellers who explored the country this year, expressing their firm intention to make a return within the next 12 months. The 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study by Visa, the largest and longest-running consumer insights study of its kind, has provided a…
- China News
Xi Jinping and Joe Biden at China-US summit: The twist that could change relations forever
Ambassador Xie Feng dubbed the historic meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last month in San Francisco a groundbreaking milestone in the decades-old relationship. The face-to-face encounter between the Chinese and US presidents marked a significant step forward after a year of diplomatic silence. During their talks, both leaders hammered out agreements on critical issues…