- Thailand News
Southern Industrial Council opposes 400 baht minimum wage rise
The Southern Industrial Council opposes the proposed 400 baht minimum wage increase, advocating for region-specific adjustments instead. Businesses face high costs for electricity and oil, alongside competition from Chinese investments. Adisorn Tanaengchuan, President of the Southern Industrial Council and executive member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed concerns regarding the Labour Wage Committee’s meeting today to consider the…
- Thailand News
Illegal care centre in Chiang Mai sends Thai father to hospital
A Thai woman took her father to a care centre in Chiang Mai, only to receive the news that he was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. It was later revealed that the centre was operating illegally. A Facebook user named Mimm Jewpanya pleaded for help yesterday after her father was admitted to a care centre in Chiang Mai.…
- Thailand News
Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise
Thai household debt has surged to alarming levels, reaching 13.6 trillion baht, with non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Credit Bureau reports a consistent rise in bad debts across housing, automotive, and credit card sectors. Data from the end of July indicates that household debt in Thailand reached a staggering 13.6 trillion baht. This figure is…
- Phuket News
Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage
Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri called on residents and drivers to remain vigilant following several landslips, potholes forming on rain-soaked roads, and a large tree falling onto power lines between Patong and Kamala. A notice was issued by Patong Municipality today, September 20. “Watch out! Follow the situation of flash floods, forest runoff, flooding, mudslides, and strong wind waves.” Residents affected…
- Thailand News
Thai man arrested for robbing food vendor in Bang Lamung
Pattaya police apprehended a 51 year old Thai man accused of robbing a street food vendor while pretending to place an order. The suspect was arrested just hours after the incident. Police officers from Bang Lamung Police Station arrested the suspect, Sakon, at 9pm on Wednesday, September 18, at his residence in the Eua Athon Naklua housing estate in Bang…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya: Woman openly uses illegal drugs on Soi Buakhao
A woman in Pattaya has been seen openly using illegal drugs on the bustling Soi Buakhao, raising concerns among locals and tourists. A Facebook user recently shared images of the woman, who appears to be homeless, sitting by the roadside with drug paraphernalia in one hand and a lighter in the other. The images show numerous Thai and foreign tourists…
- World News
Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system
Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications. This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.…
- Thailand News
Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA
In a move that’s bound to shake up Bangkok’s bustling street food scene, new City Hall regulations will allow only “poor Thais” to operate as street vendors. The bold rules, signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, have sparked controversy with their stringent requirements, including a ban on migrant workers. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the new rules will go…
- Thailand News
Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists
Thai AirAsia announced free flights for Thai Paralympic athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Medalists will receive free flights for up to 10 years, both domestically and internationally. Thai AirAsia is offering free flights to all Thai athletes who secure medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, similar to the benefits previously provided to Thai Olympic athletes. Gold…
- China News
China: Japanese boy fatally stabbed near school
In a shocking incident that has left communities reeling, a 10 year old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in southern China, dying just a day later. The boy, a student at the prestigious Shenzhen Japanese School, succumbed to his injuries today, September 19, according to Japanese officials. The boy’s attacker, a 44 year old man identified as…
- Thailand News
TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand
TAGTHAi, Thailand’s official travel app, has partnered with Google Cloud to create a ground-breaking solution that simplifies travel for tourists. Their AI-driven feature, Design My Trip, promises to revolutionise how visitors experience Thailand. Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO of TAGTHAi, revealed the cutting-edge technologies used to offer curated travel experiences tailored to each individual. “This aligns perfectly with the Tourism Authority of…
- Thailand News
AirAsia’s new campaign: Are you always on time? (video)
AirAsia is taking punctuality to new heights with its latest Thai campaign, “Thank You for Being on Time.” In a bold move, the airline is not just focusing on its timeliness but celebrating passengers who make punctuality a lifestyle. The campaign, created by the creative agency Chujai, features two heartwarming video spots directed by Thanachai Srivichai. The 15 and 48…
- Thailand News
UK signs pivotal trade and investment deal with Thailand
The United Kingdom government has finalised a significant trade and investment agreement with Thailand, marking the first such deal since the Labour government assumed office in July. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander signed the enhanced trade partnership agreement in Bangkok yesterday, September 18. The deal seeks to eliminate specific trade barriers, focusing on sectors such as…
- Thailand News
Sea surge devastates Trang village, leaving residents homeless
A powerful sea surge devastated the coastal village of Ban Mot Tanoi in Ko Libong, Kantang district, Trang province, rendering residents homeless and their properties in ruins. Waves reaching heights of 3 to 4 metres, combined with strong winds, caused extensive damage to 15 homes, with eight destroyed and seven partially damaged. Residents are now left to pick up the…
- Thailand News
Udon Thani woman forced to sign new loan, assaulted by creditor
A woman reported her creditor for assaulting her in the middle of a market, despite claims of having repaid the loan in full. She was forced to sign an additional loan agreement for 40,000 baht after already repaying both the principal and interest. The woman, 46 year old Phanomphon from Nong Khon Kwang, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, filed a…
- Thailand News
Pathum Thani to host food festival to boost tourism
Pathum Thani will host the Amazing Pathum Thani Food Festival, highlighting the region’s culinary creativity to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy. The event will take place from September 25 to 29, featuring unique food and cultural activities. The press conference for the festival was held yesterday, September 18, at Tinidee Hotel Bangkok Golf Club in Pathum Thani. Pathum…
- Thailand News
Thai court confiscates 5.1m baht from official over unusual wealth
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3 ordered the confiscation of assets worth 5.1 million baht from a Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) official due to allegations of unusual wealth, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) announced yesterday. The court’s ruling, which was handed down on March 28, directed the confiscation of funds in two accounts held by Sarot…
- Thailand News
Hit-and-run: Pattaya traffic cop left with no compensation
A Pattaya traffic cop is desperately calling out for justice after a hit-and-run driver left him with a broken foot—and a pile of unpaid medical bills. Special Affairs Traffic Officer Anirut Buachum was directing traffic near the Soi Chaiyapornvithi intersection in North Pattaya on August 5 when disaster struck. A white Chevrolet sedan, speeding and failing to signal, suddenly turned…
- Thailand News
SRT tasked to complete Sino-Thai railway by next year
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been tasked with completing the high-speed Sino-Thai railway project by the first quarter of next year, according to the directive given to its new director, Veeris Ammarapala. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Veeris will outline his policies to the SRT by early next month, following the Cabinet’s approval of his appointment. Veeris’s…
- Thailand News
Cannabis chaos: Thailand’s weed rules you can’t afford to break
Thailand’s cannabis scene is about to get a whole lot more official but there are big consequences for those who don’t play by the rules. From January 1, 2025, consumers will still have access to the country’s wide variety of dry flowers but breaking key regulations could land you in hot water. The rules are simple: no smoking in public,…
- Thailand News
Lampang residents warned of rising water levels due to heavy rain
Residents of Lampang are urged to prepare for rising water levels in the Wang River, expected to increase by 1.5 to 2 metres due to continuous heavy rainfall. Local officials urge residents to stay updated on the situation via the Facebook page of the Office of Irrigation No. 2, Lampang province. The Wang River’s water level is projected to rise…
- Thailand News
Thai soldier arrested for vending machine thefts in Lopburi
A soldier from a military unit in Lopburi has been apprehended for breaking into vending machines at laundrettes to steal money, claiming he needed funds to buy milk for his pregnant wife and to purchase methamphetamine (meth). Police Colonel Anusorn Wannapin, Superintendent of Sai Mun Police Station in Yasothon, along with Police Captain Suphee Siladha, and a team of investigators,…
- Thailand News
Thai woman killed in head-on collision with taxi in Phuket
A tragic accident occurred in Cherng Talay subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket early today when a 33 year old woman lost her life after her motorbike was struck head-on by a green plate taxi on the wrong side of the road. Police responded to the incident on Srisoonthorn Road, near the Party Party Store, approximately 230 metres north of Soi Bang…
- Pattaya News
Thai teens attacked by armed youths in Pattaya park, two injured
A violent confrontation erupted in a Pattaya park, where a group of Thai teenagers were assaulted by armed youths, resulting in two injuries. Shortly after midnight, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received a distress call about the incident at Ban Thung Klom Tan Man Park. The rescue team, along with Nong Prue police and reporters, quickly arrived at the scene.…
- Pattaya News
Intoxicated driver crashes into Pattaya power line pit
A heavily intoxicated driver crashed his vehicle into an underground power line construction pit in Pattaya but miraculously escaped without injury. The accident occurred at 5.46am yesterday, September 18, on Chaloem Phra Kiat Road 3, located in the Nong Prue subdistrict of Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Pattaya police and emergency responders promptly arrived at the scene, accompanied by…
- Thailand News
Prawit to sue TV host and ex-spokesman over wiretapping claims
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon plans to take legal action against TV host Danai Ekmahasawat and former Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Prompong Nopparit. They are accused of releasing voice recordings that allegedly incriminate him. Party secretary-general Paiboon Nititawan announced yesterday, September 18, that complaints would be filed with Hua Mak police, accusing Danai and Prompong of wiretapping or disseminating…
- Thailand News
Heavy rain, high waves to hit Thailand due to monsoon and storm
Heavy rain and high waves are anticipated across Thailand from today, September 19 to Monday, September 23, driven by the annual monsoon and an emerging tropical storm set to impact Vietnam tomorrow. Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Director-General of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), announced yesterday that the north, northeast, and central plain, including Greater Bangkok, the east, and south regions will experience…
- Thailand News
Singaporean drug smuggler arrested in Samut Prakan
A Singaporean drug smuggler arrested this week in Samut Prakan faces deportation back to his home country, where he is likely to receive the death penalty. Benny Kee Soon Chuan orchestrated a smuggling operation involving crystal meth, ketamine, and ecstasy, shipping these substances from Thailand to Australia and Singapore, according to Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboonto, secretary-general of the Office…
- Thailand News
Barking mad: Dog row turns deadly as woman guns down neighbour
A neighbourhood dispute over a dog’s incessant barking in Chon Buri escalated dramatically, resulting in a woman firing a gun and injuring a man. Police officers responded to the incident, which occurred in Soi Wat Boonsampan 17, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri yesterday, September 17, at around 7pm. The 42 year old man, Niwit, was found with a gunshot…
- Thailand News
Thai police shut down 21 villas on Koh Samui, foreigners evicted
Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags. Municipal, military, and ombudsman officials yesterday, September 17, slapped closure notices on the villas, which were among 46 properties constructed without permits. These villas had brazenly…