- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves 55 billion baht lifeline for SMEs and tourism
The Thai Cabinet approved a low-interest loan programme worth 5 billion baht and a substantial 50 billion baht credit guarantee fund under the Ignite Thailand vision, aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul detailed the plan, highlighting that the low-interest loans would target tourism, wellness and medical, and agriculture and food sectors. Each borrower…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s food delivery apps dish out tasty profits
Thailand’s food delivery and on-demand super apps have demonstrated moderate growth despite economic hurdles, with major players generating significant revenue increases in 2023. Business data provider creden.co reports that total revenue for these apps reached 31.7 billion baht last year, rising from 27 billion baht in 2022. Grab Taxi (Thailand) achieved a profit for the second year running, with revenue…
- Thailand News
Pattaya garden trumpets arrival of twin baby elephants
Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden celebrated the arrival of twin baby elephants with an elaborate ceremony yesterday. Kampol Tansajja, President of Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, and his management team led the event. They invited Phra Kru Silasarathikhun, Abbot of Khao Khanthamat Temple, and Phra Kru Kasem Kittisophon, Abbot of Samakkhi Banphot Temple, to oversee the proceedings within the sprawling 200-rai…
- Thailand News
NHRC demands justice for nine missing Thai activists
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called on the Ministry of Justice to take decisive action regarding the disappearance of nine Thai political activists who vanished after seeking asylum in neighbouring countries. Sayamol Kaiyoorawong of the NHRC disclosed that she recently handed over an investigative report on these disappearances to Somboon Muangklam, adviser to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and chairman…
- Thailand News
Heavy rain warning issued for 23 provinces, flash floods possible
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall in 23 provinces, cautioning residents about potential flash floods and forest runoffs. The alert advises against maritime activities due to high waves up to 3 metres in stormy areas. At 5am today, TMD forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours, from 6am until 6am tomorrow. The moderate southwest…
- Thailand News
Python pandemonium: Man ambushed by a den of 13 serpents
In a scene that would have been more fitting in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, a den of 13 pythons swarmed into a home in Kamphaeng Phet and attacked a 34 year old man. Rescue workers captured the snakes and transported the injured man to the hospital for further treatment. According to a Facebook post by Ton Pikulthong,…
- Thailand News
Thailand drastically lowers threshold for meth possession
In a landmark decision, the Thai Cabinet redefined what constitutes personal drug use, slashing the permissible quantity of methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, and crystal methamphetamine (ice). Possessing just one Yaba tablet or 100mg of ice will now classify an individual as a drug user, a dramatic reduction from the previous threshold of five tablets or 500mg. Deputy government spokesperson…
- Thailand News
Former monk in Phetchabun accused of sexual misconduct
Accusations have surfaced against a former monk from a prominent monastery in Phetchabun Province, alleging sexual misconduct involving a married couple. The monk reportedly claimed the acts were necessary to extend his life force. This situation has unfolded over nearly two years, shaking the faith of many involved. A married couple came forward to report to the Sai Mai Must…
- Thailand News
Thai FDA warns against fake medical rice crackers
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against a counterfeit product being sold under the name Mor Boon Wisetsit. The product falsely claimed to treat various medical conditions is just spicy lab-flavoured rice crackers. Pharmacist Weerachai Nalawachai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai FDA, explained that the agency received a complaint from consumers about the Mor Boon Wisetsit product. The…
- Thailand News
Woman sells home for 1.5 million baht to escape noisy neighbours
A woman, frustrated by her disruptive neighbours, decided to sell her house for 1.5 million baht, below market value, to escape the ongoing issues. She shared her story, highlighting the noise and inconvenience caused by her neighbours, on a popular Facebook page. Reports emerged yesterday detailing the woman’s plight via a Facebook post on อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6, which included…
- Thailand News
Thailand is fast becoming a global LGBTQIA+ hub
Thailand is on the brink of becoming the ultimate destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its welcoming environment, progressive policies, and the recent launch of the Pink Plus Economy initiative. This revolutionary move, announced on Sunday by Borderless.lgbt, aims to create a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, encompassing living, family planning, and retirement. The initiative is backed…
- Thailand News
Nearly 30% of Thailand’s beggars are foreigners
Thailand’s bustling streets are teeming with beggars, and the latest statistics reveal a startling trend: nearly 30% of them are foreigners. Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa made the revelation today, June 11, addressing a surge of complaints on social media about the growing presence of beggars, especially outside Bangkok’s major shopping malls. According to Varawut, approximately 8,000…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s child labour crisis: Migrant children left unprotected
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are sounding the alarm: Thailand will miss its goal of ending child labour by 2025 unless it extends its efforts to include migrant children. Cross-Cultural Foundation President Surapong Kongchantuk stated that an estimated 100,000 child migrants have arrived in Thailand since late last year alone. “But our country has no measures to take care of them.” The…
- Thailand News
Parking lot scales up: Fish delivery driver attacked in market brawl
A chaotic scene erupted at a local market in Udon Thani as a fish delivery driver was attacked over a parking dispute. The incident, which occurred around 7am yesterday, June 10, saw several men assaulting the driver before fleeing the scene in a pickup truck. Police from Udon Thani’s 191 suppression unit received a report of the attack, which took…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai seeks public input on Mae Hod Reservoir project
The Department of National Parks (DNP) in Chiang Mai is gathering public opinions on revoking parts of Ob Luang National Park to construct the Mae Hod Reservoir, aimed at increasing water resources for farmers and reducing drought risks. The Ob Luang National Park, situated in Chiang Mai, opened a forum for stakeholders and local communities to voice their opinions on…
- Thailand News
Reckless U-turn leads to fatal crash on Sukhumvit Road
A tragic accident claimed the life of a 13 year old boy early today when a reckless U-turn by a pickup truck led to a fatal collision on Sukhumvit Road near the Aum Rak Animal Hospital in Samet, Mueang District, Chon Buri. Local police and emergency services, including a team from Chon Buri Hospital and the Trai Koonatham Rescue Foundation,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok police arrest four at luxury hotel for drug investigation
Police arrested four individuals at a luxury hotel in central Bangkok yesterday, including relatives of a prominent politician, and are preparing to conduct drug tests on them. The suspects, who were detained at 11.30am, are cooperating with the investigation. The four suspects, Naraset Thaises, Gitcha, Valis, and Anchaleeporn, are currently being processed at Makkasan Police Station, where officers are recording…
- Thailand News
Lottery enthusiasts search for lucky numbers for this Sunday’s draw
Lottery enthusiasts eagerly await the numbers for the upcoming draw this Sunday, June 16, with several intriguing sources contributing potential winning digits. Fans of Thai actress Hai Aphaporn are keenly observing her latest lottery predictions after her recent spiritual ceremony. “It’s close now. What is that on the ground? The spirit has told me again. Because I just paid my…
- Thailand News
Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy
Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government’s performance over the past eight months…
- Thailand News
Storm havoc: Jomtien Beach eroded and unsafe
Jomtien Beach was battered by fierce winds and waves yesterday, causing devastating erosion across a 1,000-metre stretch opposite the Pu Pen Restaurant. Ekkarach Kantharo, Director of the Pattaya Regional Marine Department Office, confirmed the damage was a result of monsoon conditions that have unleashed storms and towering waves on the Gulf of Thailand. The reinforced sand on Jomtien Beach, extending…
- Thailand News
Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme
In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…
- Thailand News
Jetstar Asia launches new route from Singapore to Krabi
Jetstar Asia is soaring high with its latest addition to its flight network. Last Friday, the airline launched a new route from Singapore to the stunning resort destination of Krabi in southern Thailand, adding over 60,000 seats annually. The inaugural flight, 3K573, took off from Singapore Changi Airport at 7.32am local time (6.32am Thailand time) and landed in Krabi at…
- Thailand News
Mother and child rescued from domestic abuse in Pathum Thani
The Thai authorities, led by an influencer rescued a 23 year old mother and her two year old child from a domestic abuse situation by the child’s 22 year old father in Pathum Thani. The father claimed he could not remember his actions. Influencer Kan Jompalang, with Khlong Luang Police Station officers, Police Colonel Kiattisak Mitprasat, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chalad Homngern,…
- Thailand News
Thai man swindled out of 550,000 baht by online investment scam
A man from Nong Han district in Udon Thani has been driven to suicidal thoughts after being swindled out of 550,000 baht by an online scammer posing as an investment advisor. The scammer continues to taunt him daily, asking if he wants to invest more. The 42 year old victim, identified by the pseudonym Krob, had worked for 10 years…
- Thailand News
Thai crew saved from sinking cargo ship in Cambodian waters
Ten Thai crew members were rescued from a sinking cargo ship off the coast of Cambodia on Sunday. The harrowing ordeal unfolded on June 8 between Vang and Manas islands in Koh Ko Cang province. The Thai cargo vessel, en route to Cambodia, mysteriously sank, plunging its crew into peril. The cause of the sinking remains a mystery but preliminary…
- Thailand News
7-Eleven restroom use in Thailand depends on branch discretion
Customers wondering whether they can use the restroom in the popular convenience store 7-Eleven during an emergency now have an answer. While in some countries customers can freely access store restrooms, the policy in Thailand is less straightforward. A query was recently posted on the website pantip.com, where a user asked, “Can we ask to use the restroom at 7-Eleven?”…
- Thailand News
PM orders probe into police gambling ring bribery claims
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) to investigate a controversial comment made in a Line group chat by the Phasi Charoen police superintendent, who accused his superior of allowing a gambling ring to set up slot machines in his jurisdiction. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised that any allegations of police bribery would be thoroughly…
- Thailand News
Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa intensified efforts to curb domestic violence, highlighting the issue as a major concern in recent months. Domestic violence constituted almost 70% of all reported violence cases in the past two months. Varawut announced yesterday, June 10, following a meeting with senior ministry officials, that the Human Security Emergency Management Centre is ramping…
- Thailand News
APEC tourism summit: Thailand to revamp Asia-Pacific tourism
Thailand has unveiled its ambitious plans for the 12th Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM12) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, set to take place in the Republic of Peru from June 5 to 9. Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri announced that this crucial summit will focus on acknowledging and endorsing the progress made under the APEC Tourism Working Group…
- Thailand News
New automatic passport control tested at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints. Wisanu participated in a real-world test of the new automatic passport control system before heading to Malaysia on flight TG415. The new system is…
