- Thailand News
Thousands rally to greet Thaksin in Korat homecoming
The red shirts are rolling out the red carpet for Thaksin Shinawatra, as the paroled former prime minister prepares for his first visit to the northeastern province in almost two decades today. Kowit Khorhenklang, a fervent supporter of Thaksin, anticipates a crowd of 3,000 to join him at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida district this afternoon. Thaksin will attend the…
- Thailand News
Eight-figure payouts loom for Singapore Airlines injured passengers
Passengers with severe injuries from the terrifying Singapore Airlines flight turbulence could be in line for eight-figure compensation, says top lawyer. Following the extreme turbulence encountered by Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 this week, passengers with spinal and brain injuries might seek massive payouts, with one legal expert suggesting claims could reach easily into seven and sometimes eight-figure sums. Peter Neenan,…
- Thailand News
PM hopeful to people’s bridge: Pita’s vision for a unified Thailand
Pita Limjaroenrat, the man once tipped to be Thailand’s next prime minister, has a bold plan to unite his divided nation. At a panel discussion in Seoul, Pita described his Move Forward Party (MFP) as a bridge connecting conflicting factions to forge a new consensus for Thai society. Speaking at the Asian Leadership Conference on Thursday, Pita, the former MFP…
- Thailand News
Paetongtarn reluctant to become PM amid Srettha’s legal issues
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, expressed her reluctance to step into the role of prime minister if Srettha Thavisin is removed from office due to a case involving the appointment of a minister with a prison record. Despite her hesitation, Paetongtarn remains optimistic about the Constitutional Court ruling in the Bangkok-born Srettha’s favour. “There should be…
- Thailand News
Luxury Porsche worth over 10 million baht catches fire in Bangkok
A luxury Porsche worth over 10 million baht caught fire in front of a showroom in Bangkok’s Srinakarin area, causing severe damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to nearby cars or the building. The incident occurred yesterday, with the 1197 Traffic Hotline page sharing the dramatic event that unfolded in front of the luxury car showroom.…
- Thailand News
Singapore Airlines overhauls turbulence protocols after fatal flight
Singapore Airlines has swiftly tightened its cabin service rules after a harrowing incident on a flight from London left one passenger dead and many others injured earlier this week. The airline announced today that it is adopting a more cautious approach to managing turbulence following the sudden altitude drop of Flight SQ321 on Tuesday, which necessitated an emergency landing in…
- Thailand News
IndiGo boosts Delhi-Phuket route, take off June 1
Starting June 1, IndiGo will double its weekly flights from Delhi to Phuket from seven to 14, in response to Thailand’s extension of visa-free stays for Indian citizens until November 11. IndiGo, India’s premier low-cost airline, is enhancing its service with twice-daily flights, offering morning and evening departures. This increased frequency will provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers planning…
- Thailand News
The ‘Undertaker’ buries box office competition, raking in over 700 million baht
The success of the film The Undertaker has caught the attention of many, with the film grossing over 700 million baht. This spin-off from the Thai Ban universe has generated significant buzz, particularly as fans eagerly await the potential sequel. The Undertaker has been in theatres for 46 days and is nearing the end of its run. Director Thiti Srinuan,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s economic crisis: An ageing population
Thailand is facing a looming economic crisis as demographic shifts threaten to cripple its domestic consumption, the Kasikorn Research Centre (KRC) warns. With an increasingly elderly population and declining birth rate, the nation’s key driver of economic growth is at risk. In 2022, domestic consumption accounted for 58% of Thailand’s economic growth, up from 53% a decade ago. This reliance…
- Thailand News
Singapore turbulent flight: Aussie survivor’s desperate plea
An Australian passenger from the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight 321 has broken his silence from his Bangkok hospital room. Keith Davis, previously blocked from speaking to the media, revealed the harrowing details of the flight’s emergency landing in Thailand that left his wife critically injured. Davis’ wife has been in intensive care since their flight from London to Singapore was…
- Thailand News
Illegal delivery: Six arrested in Khlong San for drug trafficking
Six individuals posing as delivery service riders were apprehended in Khlong San district yesterday on suspicion of drug trafficking. Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) Deputy Commissioner Thinnakorn Rangmat announced that the suspects were detained in the Wat Thong Phleng community, located in the Khlong Ton Sai subdistrict. Authorities confiscated 6.95 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, 100,000 methamphetamine pills, 78.3 grammes of heroin,…
- Thailand News
Japan considers extending tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens
Japan is contemplating an extension of its tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens due to rising concerns over its potential discontinuation next year. This matter surfaced during discussions held in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. Trade and investment relations were the primary focus of their meeting. However, the visa waiver programme was also…
- Thailand News
Cannabis crackdown: Only buds back on the blacklist
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, while the rest of the marijuana plant remains legal. This dramatic shift is set to clarify the murky waters of Thailand’s cannabis regulations, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s controversial pledge to recriminalise marijuana. “The new directive will specify that leaves, branches, roots, stems,…
- Thailand News
Monkey business ends: Lopburi’s underwear thief finally caught
Lopburi residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the notorious monkey, infamous for stealing women’s underwear, has been captured. The mischievous primate caused significant distress in the area, even disrupting local businesses. The saga began when a frustrated shop owner in Lopburi, known for her suit store, reached breaking point after repeated thefts by the monkey, named Ai…
- Thailand News
Villagers in Thailand turn to Doraemon for rain
In a quirky twist to tradition, villagers in Thailand have ditched live cats for plush toy versions of the beloved Japanese cartoon character Doraemon in their rain-calling rituals. Amid severe heatwaves, this change has not only brought relief but also garnered amused and supportive reactions from netizens across Japan and China. One netizen observed that the Doraemon ritual shows we…
- Thailand News
70% of Thais clueless about upcoming senatorial elections
A new poll revealed that nearly a quarter of Thais are unaware of the upcoming senatorial elections, while a whopping 70% do not understand how the new election system works. This startling revelation comes as the nation prepares for elections from June 9 to 26, where thousands of candidates will vote among themselves to elect 200 senators. The poll, conducted…
- Thailand News
Northeast Thailand: Wildlife officer mauled by bear survives attack
A brave wildlife officer narrowly escaped death after being mauled by a ferocious bear while patrolling a remote mountain in northeast Thailand. Danai, a 39 year old officer from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, was conducting a routine patrol through dense woodland last Friday, May 17 when an Asian black bear emerged, attacking Danai with its powerful…
- Thailand News
Tourists behaving badly: Locals protest for better respect
Thailand is not the only country in the world with badly behaved tourists. As Ibiza and Mallorca say no to tourists coming to party, it’s becoming increasingly clear that expectations on travellers in the world’s most popular destinations are changing. In recent months, Thailand has seen an increase in crime committed by foreign tourists, from illegal employment to property damage…
- Thailand News
Thai government urged to regulate booming influencer industry
With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. In 2023, the ASEAN region boasted approximately 13.5 million influencers, according to Nielsen.…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha cooks up plan to boost food quality with Barilla partnership
In a high-stakes meeting that could reshape Thailand’s food industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sat down with top executives from Barilla G.e.R. Fratelli S.p.A., the world’s leading pasta producer. With ambitions running high, the discussions centred on enhancing food production quality and expanding pasta distribution networks throughout Thailand. Among the Italian delegation were Federico Vescovi, Barilla’s Partnership Development President, and…
- Thailand News
Bugged out: Chiang Mai traveller’s rose petal bath hit by insect invasion
A traveller’s recent trip to Chiang Mai took an unexpected turn when a planned relaxing bath turned into an encounter with a swarm of insects. The traveller chose a picturesque accommodation with a bathtub on the balcony, offering stunning mountain views during the day. However, as night fell, the situation drastically changed. Dhiwa Bhochawatt’s post on Facebook detailed the surprising…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Bhutan start free trade talks to boost trade by 2025
Thailand and Bhutan yesterday officially began negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to finalise the deal by next year. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang confirmed that Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has signed the terms of reference to initiate the FTA discussions. Both nations see this agreement as a crucial step to enhance bilateral trade and investment, dismantle…
- Thailand News
Aftermath of Netiporn’s death: Activists demand judicial reform
In a dramatic showdown, Thalu Wang activists gathered outside Government House in Bangkok demanding judicial reforms following the tragic death of Netiporn Sanesangkhom. The activist’s untimely demise, attributed to medical negligence while in pretrial detention, has ignited a fervent call for change. Fewer than 20 activists converged at the Chamai Maru Chet bridge entrance, shortly after ministers concluded their weekly…
- Thailand News
NZ engineering giant Beca to drive Thailand’s green future
New Zealand’s leading advisory and engineering consultancy, Beca, is set to shape Thailand’s future, following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s pivotal visit on April 17. CEO Amelia Linzey accompanied the business delegation, underscoring the powerful partnership between the two nations focused on green building and smart infrastructure. Prime Minister Luxon’s visit marked a major milestone in the Thailand-New Zealand relationship, particularly…
- Thailand News
Thai man’s drunken rampage in Na Jomtien terrorises family
A 36 year old Thai man was apprehended by police on Sunday in Na Jomtien, Sattahip, after allegedly attacking his parents in a drunken rage. Police were summoned to the Eua Arthorn Na Jomtien housing community following reports of domestic violence. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, identified as Nattawut, aggressively threatening his mother with a small cutting tool on the…
- Thailand News
Corrupt BMA official busted: Bangkok bribery scandal exposed
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched a disciplinary committee to investigate a shocking corruption case involving a high-ranking Public Works Department official. Anti-corruption police and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission made headlines yesterday with the arrest of Peempong, a key suspect in a major bribery scandal. Three other suspects were apprehended in coordinated raids. During the dramatic raid on Peempong’s…
- Thailand News
Pattaya police introduce mobile app to boost tourist safety
Pattaya City Police Station has unveiled the PATTAYA SAFETY application to boost tourist safety. Superintendent Police Colonel Navin Theerawit announced this innovative app designed to enhance the safety of Thai and international tourists visiting the vibrant city of Pattaya. Developed under the provincial police’s guidance, the PATTAYA SAFETY app acts as a comprehensive platform for incident reporting, tip submission, and…
- Thailand News
Blaze destroys British man’s condo in Pattaya
A terrifying blaze erupted in the early hours of May 17 at the Center Condotel on South Pattaya Road, causing extensive damage and forcing the frantic evacuation of residents. The fire, reported at 3.36am, initially broke out on the 12th floor, quickly spreading to the 13th floor as thick smoke engulfed the building, creating a chaotic and perilous scene. Kraithong…
- Thailand News
Scandal rocks PM Srettha: Ethics violation accusation
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin remains resolute amid an ethics complaint that could see him suspended. While on an official visit to Italy on Sunday, PM Srettha addressed the brewing controversy. A group of acting senators filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, accusing him of violating the code of ethics in his recent appointment of PM’s Office Minister Pichit…
- Thailand News
Buddhist tradition meets eco-friendly innovation
As Visakha Bucha Day approaches tomorrow, Buddhists worldwide prepare to honour the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of complete Nibbana of the Lord Buddha according to tradition. This sacred day, steeped in tradition, sees millions making merit, observing religious precepts, and performing the evening ceremony of wian tian, where devotees walk around temple chapels in a candlelit procession, commemorating the Buddha’s…
