- Thailand News
Finance minister: Digital wallet funds to exclude mobile phones
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat urged the Commerce Ministry to reconsider its decision to permit recipients of the 10,000-baht payout from the digital wallet scheme to use the funds on mobile phones. He argued that this move would not benefit the domestic economy as intended. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shares these concerns, noting that most mobile phones are either manufactured…
- Thailand News
Red card: Thai police net 126 in Euro 2024 betting bust
Police arrested 126 individuals for betting on the 2024 UEFA European Football Championships (Euro 2024) matches over the weekend, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) confirmed yesterday. Of those arrested, six were detained for facilitating the betting activities, while 117 were apprehended for participating in illegal betting. The remaining individuals, according to assistant national police chief Police Lieutenant General Akkaradej Pimolsri,…
- Thailand News
Heavy rains and high waves forecast in 39 provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rains in 39 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, due to the southwest monsoon. Anglers are advised to exercise caution as high waves are expected in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. TMD predicts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, with the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…
- Thailand News
Referendum bill set to pass initial House test
According to Chart Thai Pattana Party list-MP Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-committee on the charter referendum, the government-sponsored referendum bill will pass its initial test. Nikorn stated the bill, which aims to revise the Referendum Act 2021 as part of the charter rewrite process, is ready for House deliberation following a meeting with opposition whips. Deputy Prime Minister and…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourism takes a tumble: WEF report
Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic setback, plummeting 11 spots in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index, leaving experts calling for urgent investment and innovation. In a devastating blow to the Thai government, which reported a modest 1.5% growth in the first quarter of 2024, the WEF index revealed Thailand’s fall from 36th to…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn vows to reclaim Bangkok seats
Pheu Thai’s leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped into the ring with a new role, aiming to revive the party’s fortunes in Bangkok after last year’s crushing defeat by the Move Forward Party (MFP). Paetongtarn signed an order on Thursday to establish a panel dedicated to crafting political strategies, overseeing MPs and Bangkok Metropolitan councillors, and providing them with crucial advice.…
- Thailand News
NHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Thai government to halt plans to deport Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, expressing concerns for his safety. Authorities arrested 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week. He is a prominent figure within the Montagnard ethnic group from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice, an organisation…
- Thailand News
Thailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006
Thailand remains free of human bird flu cases, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Authorities urge travellers from H5N2 outbreak areas to self-monitor for respiratory symptoms within 14 days of arrival and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Travellers entering the country have been advised to remain vigilant for irregular respiratory symptoms. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if…
- Thailand News
MFP’s support for Pheu Thai sparks coalition speculation
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has recently shown a surprisingly empathetic stance towards the ruling Pheu Thai Party, sparking accusations that their previous antagonism may have been an act. Observers have noted two key developments suggesting a possible reconciliation between the two largest parties, following Pheu Thai’s earlier decision to abandon a post-election promise to form a government with MFP.…
- Thailand News
Beach vendor arrested in Pattaya for illegal alcohol sales
Police in Pattaya have arrested a beach vendor for illegally selling alcoholic beverages and resisting officials. The arrest took place in the early hours yesterday, June 14, at Pattaya Beach, following a prior incident where city officials tried to apprehend vendors violating regulations by selling alcohol and renting out beach equipment without proper licences. The incident began at 2.36am, when…
- Thailand News
Knife attack on Myanmar nationals leads to crash in Phuket
Two Myanmar nationals were attacked and chased by an unknown assailant wielding a knife, leading to a crash with a food delivery driver in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, late yesterday. The incident occurred at the three-way intersection outside Phuket Provincial Prison in Moo 4 at approximately 9.15pm. Thalang Police and rescue workers from Srisoonthorn Municipality responded to the scene, finding two motorbikes…
- Thailand News
World Tourism Council: Innovative strategies to combat overtourism
Tourism is in crisis as overtourism sparks protests and unrest across the globe. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has a plan to turn the tide, urging cooperation between businesses and local communities to manage the influx of visitors. As travel demand skyrockets post-pandemic, locals in several countries are pushing back, calling for measures to control the surge of…
- Thailand News
AirAsia unveils direct flights from Bali to Phuket and Malaysia
Indonesia AirAsia has launched two international routes from Denpasar, Bali, to Phuket in Thailand, and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. This strategic move aims to boost Indonesia’s tourism by enhancing air connectivity. Veranita Yosephine Sinaga, President Director of Indonesia AirAsia, stated that these new routes are a significant step in the airline’s commitment to expanding its air network and strengthening Indonesia’s…
- Thailand News
Pattaya’s peacekeepers tackle homelessness with beachfront initiative
Efforts to address homelessness in Pattaya took a significant step forward. The Peacekeeping Division of Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office, in collaboration with Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre, launched a targeted initiative to assist homeless individuals in the Pattaya Beach area. This joint effort zeroed in on Soi 13/4, the local market vicinity, and Wat Chai Mongkol Temple in South…
- Thailand News
US Senator blasts Thai government over MFP threat
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin voiced his alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP). He issued a stern warning to the Thai government, urging them to uphold democratic principles and avoid stifling political opposition. Taking to social media, Cardin expressed his concerns. “I am deeply concerned by developments in Thailand on the potential…
- Thailand News
Third sea turtle rescued from fishing nets in Phuket this week
Another sea turtle, entangled in discarded fishing nets, washed ashore in Phuket yesterday. The young turtle was found by lifeguards on Kalim Beach, north of Patong, amidst a mix of debris. Patong Surf Life Saving Club lifeguards successfully freed the turtle by cutting away the netting before notifying officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). DMCR officials…
- Thailand News
Lottery stats reveal repeating numbers for Sunday draws
In anticipation of the upcoming lottery draw this weekend, lotto buffs have compiled a list of statistics for Sunday lottery draws over the past decade. This information aims to guide those purchasing lottery tickets for the upcoming draw. Here are the notable repeating numbers from these Sunday draws. In the last 10 years, the two-digit ending numbers that have been…
- Thailand News
Discarded deity statue linked to lottery wins in Rayong
A broken statue of the deity Yama, discarded by a roadside, has become the centre of a series of uncanny events. Along Ban Phla Road in Rayong’s Ban Chang District, a mysterious tale unfolded at 5pm yesterday, June 13, involving a discarded and broken statue of Yama at a community forest in the Phla subdistrict. Reporters arrived at the scene,…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai lottery enthusiasts speculate on singer’s lucky numbers
The excitement around the upcoming lottery draw on Sunday has reached a fever pitch in Chiang Mai, with many eagerly hunting for tickets featuring the most sought-after numbers, particularly those associated with the late singer Phumphuang Duangchan. Lottery stalls across various key locations, including Chiang Mai Gate, Arcade Bus Station, the railway station, Mahidol Road in Mueang District, and Chiang…
- Thailand News
Thaksin’s political comeback: A masterstroke or misfire?
Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, despite facing charges under the lese-majeste law, is plotting a grand comeback. Engaging with influential political figures and major families, the 74 year old former prime minister plays the long game with a cunning new strategy. Thaksin is abandoning the 100-party list MP seat strategy, focusing instead on the 400 constituency MP seats, a tactic…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha blasts army over unapproved salary deductions
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has been caught in a controversy following revelations about questionable salary deductions from conscripts, including a 500 baht fee for cleaning a septic tank. However, the RTA claims these documents were never approved or implemented. Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, Deputy Spokesperson for the RTA, addressed the uproar yesterday. He clarified that the leaked document detailing the deductions…
- Thailand News
Irishman dies on Thai holiday just before godson’s birthday
An Irishman’s dream holiday in Thailand turned into a nightmare after he tragically died just days before he was due to return home for his godson’s birthday. Damien Melarkey had been enjoying nearly four weeks in the picturesque Southeast Asian country when he suddenly passed away, only a day before his flight home. Melarkey’s brother Brian revealed that Damien died…
- Thailand News
Twinning triumph: Thailand to launch second border bridge to Malaysia
Thailand is set to break ground on a monumental project that will transform the region. The Twin Bridge, a massive construction project in Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok, is expected to begin in April 2025. Narathiwat Province Governor Trakul Thotham announced that before construction starts, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) must be conducted. The EIA survey is scheduled to kick off next…
- Thailand News
Bill leaves bad poll taste: Over 60% oppose controversial amnesty bill
An online poll revealed that more than 60% of respondents are against a contentious draft amnesty bill, proposed by Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and seconded by a staggering 36,723 people. The bill, currently under parliamentary consideration, sparked a fierce public debate. Conducted between May 13 and June 12 in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution,…
- Thailand News
Police raid karaoke bar uncovering child prostitution ring
The Thai police conducted a raid on a karaoke bar in the Lat Pla Khao area, revealing a child prostitution ring exploiting minors to pay off exorbitant debts. The operation rescued teenage victims aged between 15 and 16 years old. Special Operations from the Department of Provincial Administration carried out the raid yesterday to rescue the teenage victims of human…
- Thailand News
Student brawl in Ayutthaya leaves two dead and one injured
A violent clash erupted between students from different institutions, resulting in two deaths and one injury. The brawl included the use of firearms and knives, leaving a mother devastated as her warnings went unheeded. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday on Rojana Road, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Police and emergency services responded swiftly to reports of a brawl…
- Thailand News
Bangkok rail fares capped at 20 baht by March 2026
The government is set to implement a 20-baht fare cap across all of Greater Bangkok’s rail network by March 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. Suriya confirmed the decision following a meeting with the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee. The committee approved the plan to impose a 20-baht limit on ticket prices throughout Bangkok’s rail network and has instructed…
- Thailand News
Web of fortune: Phaya Bung locals spin hopes on spider for lottery luck
Residents of Village 4 in Yan Re Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province, performed a ritual today seeking lucky lottery numbers from the revered Phaya Bung spider. They offered flowers, incense, and betel leaves, requesting blessings and fortune from the guardian spirits. The villagers then prepared two sets of paper slips numbered from zero to nine, which they dropped…
- Thailand News
Weakening monsoon reduces rainfall across Thailand
Weather conditions today show a weakening monsoon, resulting in reduced rainfall across Thailand, though heavy rain persists in the northern regions. Bangkok experiences a 20% chance of rain. The Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast highlights these changes over the next 24 hours. The TMD forecasts that the southwestern monsoon covering the upper Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is…
- Thailand News
Man dies after pickup veers off Samut Songkhram road
A 34 year old man tragically lost his life after his pickup truck veered off the road and crashed into a barricade, ejecting him through the rear window. The accident happened at around 2.30am today, June 14, on Samut Songkhram-Bang Phae Road, heading towards Mae Klong. Police Lieutenant Pongporn Taowarod, Deputy Inspector at Amphawa Police Station, was alerted to the…
