- Tourism News
Tax breaks fall flat: Hoteliers sceptical of Thailand govt incentives
The hospitality industry in Thailand is abuzz as the government unveils a new policy aimed at boosting tourism in secondary provinces through tax benefits for hoteliers. But the response from hotel entrepreneurs has been lukewarm at best. According to the latest hospitality operators’ confidence index, a survey conducted by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand, 50%…
- Thailand News
River collision drama: Four injured in Chao Phraya boat crash
Tragedy struck the Chao Phraya River today when a shuttle boat, operated by Chao Phraya Express Boat, collided with an empty chartered tour boat, resulting in injuries to four passengers. The incident occurred at 12.13pm, today, August 15, under the Pinklao Bridge, which links Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district with Bangkok Noi. According to police, the express shuttle boat departed from…
- Politics News
Coalition politics: UTNP sets conditions for Pheu Thai support
The United Thai Nation Party (UTNP) announced its support for the Pheu Thai Party’s next prime minister candidate, with one major caveat: no touching the lese majeste law. This stance from UTNP, led by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga—Thailand’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister—could have significant implications for the political landscape. During a press conference today, Pirapan expressed the UTNP’s allegiance…
- Transport News
Japan invited to supercharge Thailand’s Red Line railway network
In a strategic move to bolster Thailand’s railway infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport extended an invitation to Japanese companies to invest in the extension networks of the Red Line electric train system. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit welcomed the newly appointed Japanese ambassador, Otaka Masato, during a media briefing yesterday, August 14, highlighting the potential for enhanced transport cooperation between the…
- Thailand News
Monk arrested in Loei temple raid for meth possession
Police raided a temple in Loei province and arrested a monk caught with methamphetamine hidden in his quarters. The monk was immediately defrocked and charges have been filed. Officers from the 3rd Control Division (R.8) of the Surasak Montri Army, led by Captain Chamnarn Manboon, along with local police and administrative officials, conducted a search at a temple in Namala…
- Thailand News
Unique nine-faced statue draws crowds in Nakhon Ratchasima
A unique statue named Tao Maha Phrom Wessuwan, featuring nine faces and eight arms, has been constructed at Wat Sap Takro in Nakhon Ratchasima. The statue, created by Phra Ajarn Wanchai Wannako, also known as Luang Kru Ae, is gaining significant reverence from the public despite being built only three months ago. The statue, believed to be the only one…
- Phuket News
New Russian Consul General Ivanov meets with Phuket Governor
Egor Ivanov, the newly appointed Russian Consul General for Phuket, met with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday to formally introduce himself after his credentials were accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting, Ivanov expressed his gratitude to Governor Sophon and his team for their efforts in looking after Russian tourists. He also conveyed his readiness to support…
- Thailand News
Man found dead on motorcycle in Samut Sakhon
A man from Udon Thani was found dead on his motorcycle, likely due to a pre-existing condition. Rescuers revealed they had previously assisted him during a severe asthma attack. The police are investigating the exact cause of death. Police Lieutenant Panadecha Manolert from the Samut Sakhon Police Station received a report about a man found dead on a motorcycle along…
- Thailand News
Hundreds of illegal resorts face demolition in Nakhon Ratchasima
The scenic district of Wang Nam Khiao in Nakhon Ratchasima is witnessing a massive government crackdown as over 400 resorts face the threat of demolition for encroaching on public land. The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry launched inspections, spearheaded by Thanadol Suwannarit, chairman of the ministry’s task force on illegal land ownership under the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO). This aggressive…
- Thailand News
Man assaults father over 300 baht for drugs in Udon Thani
A man assaulted his father in Udon Thani after being denied 300 baht for drugs, prompting his sister to demand legal action, stating she no longer wants him as her brother. Police in Udon Thani received a report of a son assaulting his father at a rental house in Nong Bua, Mueang district. Officers promptly arrived at the scene. The…
- Chiang Mai News
Earthquake rattles Chiang Mai and Lamphun early today
An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 struck Mae On district in Chiang Mai, causing tremors felt as far as Lamphun. The seismic event, which occurred early today, August 15, lasted for five seconds and was reported by the Earthquake Surveillance Division. The earthquake struck at 1.33am, with its epicentre located in Mae Tha subdistrict, Mae On district, Chiang Mai…
- Thailand News
Police officers face charges for wrongful arrest in Sa Kaeo murder
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) submitted the case files of eight police officers from Aranyaprathet Police Station to the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Region 2 Prosecutor’s Office regarding the wrongful arrest of a woman’s husband for her murder in Sa Kaeo. The officers face serious charges under Section 157 of the Penal Code and the Prevention and Suppression…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya Film Festival returns with 20 global films, free screenings
Pattaya welcomes the return of the Pattaya Film Festival, running from August 21 to 25. This year’s festival will showcase over 20 films from around the globe, offering free admission to all screenings. The event is a collaborative effort by Pattaya City, the Special Tourist Area Development Authority, and the Film Archive of the Ministry of Culture. Screenings are set…
- Thailand News
Surat Thani police seize 404,000 meth pills after car chase
Police in Surat Thani arrested two men and seized 404,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills following a dramatic car chase. The suspects, 31 year old Suriyen, and 25 year old Sitthipong, were apprehended after attempting to flee from the police. Surat Thani Governor Jetsada Jitrat, who also serves as the Director of the Provincial Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), directed the operation.…
- China News
Mother pays for daughter’s haircutting antics in Chinese salon
A mother in China faced an unexpected expense when her young daughter cut another customer’s hair at a hair salon, resulting in a hefty compensation fee. The incident occurred at a hair salon in Guangdong province, China. A mother brought her young daughter along to the salon and while the mother was waiting for her turn, chaos suddenly erupted. Her…
- Thailand News
Mother and daughter injured in Bangkok bus-ambulance crash
Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were alerted to a collision between a bus and an ambulance, resulting in multiple injuries at Din Daeng Island, Victory Monument, Bangkok. At the scene, a bus on Route 36 was found overturned alongside the ambulance. Many injured individuals were lying on the pavement as emergency responders arrived to provide assistance. A 68 year…
- Politics News
Thai MPs call for new constitution after PM Srettha’s removal
Parit Wacharasindhu, a Member of Parliament from the People’s Party, voiced concerns yesterday following the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove Srettha Thavisin from the position of Thai Prime Minister. Parit stated his party’s disagreement with the ruling, highlighting that while political leaders should uphold ethics and integrity, the interpretation of ethics is subjective. He argued that ethical matters should be…
- Thailand News
GMM Music partners with Warner Music Asia in massive deal
GMM Music announced a strategic investment partnership with Warner Music Asia (WMA), one of the world’s leading music industry giants. WMA will invest 370 million baht in cash and provide a minimum guarantee payment of 315 million baht to accelerate GMM Music’s growth and expand the Thai music industry, the largest in Southeast Asia, to a global market. Chief Executive Officer…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Pheu Thai pushes casino legalisation despite resistance
Pheu Thai, the governing party in Thailand, remains confident in its ability to persuade its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, to support the legalisation of casinos, despite Bhumjaithai’s recent opposition. The bill, championed by Pheu Thai, aims to legalise casinos as part of a larger initiative to create regional entertainment complexes to attract investment. Hours before his removal as prime minister…
- Thailand News
Herbal hustlers busted in Pattaya: Foreign workers found
Law enforcement officers yesterday raided three herbal product stores in Pattaya, uncovering a tangled web of deceit, illegal employment, and dubious health claims. The raid was triggered by complaints from the Pattaya Indian Community Association, which accused certain stores of ripping off customers with overpriced and ineffective herbal remedies. It was alleged that these businesses were using foreign nationals to…
- Thailand News
Thailand new generation drive sales surge despite economic woes
Luxury retail has skyrocketed, with sales in the first half of this year soaring to four times the levels seen in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, according to a market survey by The 1 Insight. This staggering growth comes despite a sluggish economy, thanks largely to the spending habits of new-generation shoppers. The 1 Insight report highlights the resurgence…
- Politics News
Ex-Move Forward MPs to unveil new party after court ban (video)
Following the shock dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), former MPs are set to rise from the ashes with a brand-new political entity. The MFP, which clinched victory in the 2023 General Election, was abruptly disbanded by the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy by pushing to amend the lese majeste law…
- Thailand News
Rampaging buffalo charges through Chon Buri beach (video)
A peaceful day at Nang Ram Beach in Chon Buri province turned into a nightmare when an escaped buffalo went on a wild rampage, charging at unsuspecting tourists and sparking widespread panic. The young, powerful bovine was spotted tearing across the sandy shores, causing chaos as it headed straight for a family enjoying a leisurely picnic. Eyewitnesses described the shocking…
- Thailand News
British Airways flights to Bangkok to resume end of October
British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travellers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia. British Airways’ direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok is back on October 28, after a four-year hiatus. Initially operating three times a week, the service will increase to five weekly…
- Thailand News
Truckers in northeast Thailand call for diesel price cuts
Truckers in northeast Thailand are urging the government to either lower diesel prices or increase cargo transport fees to offset rising energy costs, ensuring their trucks remain operational. Wichai Sawangkhachon, President of the Northern Transport Association (NTA), reported that nearly half of the over 10,000 trucks owned by approximately 700 cargo transport businesses under the NTA are currently out of…
- Thailand News
Siriraj Hospital computer outage disrupts appointments
Siriraj Hospital announced that its computer system is down, causing a temporary halt in services for patients with pre-scheduled appointments. The hospital assured new appointments will be communicated after today, August 8. Siriraj Hospital recently posted an urgent announcement stating that their computer system is temporarily out of service. This has disrupted the hospital’s ability to provide normal services to…
- Thailand News
UK Thai embassy issues warning amid anti-immigration protests
The Thai Embassy in London issued a stern warning for all Thais living in or travelling to the UK: steer clear of crowded places and protests. This urgent advice comes as thousands of anti-immigration protesters take to the streets in towns and cities nationwide. Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast have been pinpointed as high-risk areas. The embassy strongly advises…
- Pattaya News
Pedestrian killed in Pattaya traffic accident
A pedestrian lost his life in a road accident in Pattaya after being struck by a car during heavy traffic. The tragic incident occurred at 7.30pm yesterday, August 7, in front of the Agricultural Technology Promotion Centre for Plant Protection, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Rescue personnel and police officers promptly arrived at the scene following…
- Thailand News
Phumtham inspects U-Tapao Airport project set for 2029 completion
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai visited U-Tapao Airport to monitor the progress of its development project, aiming for completion by 2029. The deputy PM inspected the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project in Ban Chang district, Rayong province. Accompanied by Tharit Issarayangyuen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, naval representatives, and private…
- Thailand News
Thailand to introduce more effective and affordable HPV vaccine
Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to replace its two-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with a more affordable and effective single-dose alternative in the next fiscal year, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The current two-dose vaccine has a 60% effectiveness rate against two strains of the virus, HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the proposed single-dose vaccine boasts a…
