- Thailand News
Scam signal lost: Thai forces pull plug on Myanmar border smuggling
Thai security forces have intercepted and seized Internet transmission equipment believed to be used by a call centre scam operation, preventing it from being smuggled across the border to Payathonzu, Myanmar. The operation was carried out by the Lat Ya Task Force of the Surasi Military Command, under orders from Major General Asadawut Panyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division.…
- Thailand News
Brake for impact: Veteran driver crashes into office by accident
A routine task to move a car quickly turned into an accident when a driver accidentally pressed the accelerator, sending the vehicle crashing through an office building. The driver, who has been driving for over 30 years without an accident, was left shaken but unharmed. The incident, captured on CCTV footage, occurred yesterday, March 10, at a commercial building in…
- Thailand News
Thailand revs up: MotoGP talks on track, F1 dream in the fast lane
Thailand is set to enter negotiations with Dorna Sports in the coming months to extend its MotoGP contract for another five years, while also exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula One (F1) race. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the government’s commitment to securing the deal, emphasising Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s support for continuing MotoGP in Thailand. Speaking…
- Phuket News
Phuket targets 14,000 dropouts in education reintegration plan
Officials in Phuket are stepping up efforts to reintegrate school dropouts into the education system, aligning with the government’s Thailand Zero Dropout policy. During a meeting yesterday, March 10, officials revealed that 14,282 children in the province have dropped out of school across various categories. The discussions, led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, focused on strategies to ensure these children have access…
- Thailand News
Bus and lorry crash in Nakhon Ratchasima leaves many injured
A bus collided with a lorry in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province resulting in numerous injuries to its passengers. Police were informed of the crash yesterday, March 10, at 3.05pm, and emergency response teams from the nearby Sikhio Hospital were dispatched to the scene. At the site, a Bangkok-Yasothon route bus was found with its front severely damaged. Upon the…
- Pattaya News
AI-powered surveillance to boost tourist security in Pattaya
Pattaya City is set to enhance tourist security with artificial intelligence (AI) powered surveillance systems, allowing closer monitoring and response to incidents. This follows a meeting between the mayor and the city’s Tourist Police. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet met with the newly appointed Pattaya Tourist Police Chief, Police Colonel Songwut Chueaplakij, and his team to discuss the initiative. The AI-integrated…
- Thailand News
Thailand plans 400-baht minimum wage amid SME concerns
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says he is dedicated to implementing a nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht, despite concerns over its effects on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and inflation. A tripartite wage committee is set to review this proposal tomorrow, March 12. Phiphat addressed a Parliamentary inquiry from Senator Tewarit Maneechai regarding the obstacles to this…
- Thailand News
Myanmar man confesses to murder over 5,000 baht debt
The discovery of a motorcycle in an irrigation canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province at the weekend has led to the revelation of a fatal stabbing. A 23 year old Myanmar national, Pai Aung Chit, admitted to killing his friend, 30 year old factory worker, Zaza, over a 5,000 baht debt. Police Colonel Somjet Maenbutr, head of Wang Noi…
- Thailand News
Foreign affairs minister defends Thailand’s move to join BRICS
Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa defended the nation’s decision to join BRICS, stating it aligns with national interests and will benefit the economy and international cooperation. Addressing the Senate yesterday, March 10, Maris discussed the pros and cons of this association, emphasising its role in maintaining Thailand’s global presence alongside other developing nations to tackle geopolitical issues. Maris highlighted…
- Business News
Thailand charges ahead with tax breaks for hybrid vehicles
Tax incentives for the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Thailand are being proposed, with implementation anticipated from 2026 pending approval, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. The proposal, which aims to link tax rates to a vehicle’s battery charge travel range, will be presented to the Cabinet by April. To boost PHEV adoption, the government is…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourists dine and dash across Chon Buri restaurants
A growing number of restaurant owners in Chon Buri have reported incidents of Chinese tourists leaving without paying for meals. The latest case involved a group of four Chinese men who racked up a bill of 1,205 baht at a local eatery before walking out without settling the amount. One restaurant owner, 42 year old Seree Chanchaiyaphum recalled an incident…
- Thailand News
Digital wallet phase three targets Thais aged 16 to 20
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira today announced that the third phase of the digital wallet programme will be limited to people aged 16 to 20. Efforts are being made to distribute the funds by the second quarter, with a potential fourth phase under consideration. Today, at 8.50am, March 10, at Government House, Pichai discussed the first…
- Thailand News
Eighteen teens arrested after Thonburi shooting near hospital
Eighteen teenagers have been arrested following a shooting involving rival groups near a hospital in Thonburi. The confrontation reportedly began when the groups exchanged words, and one group, outnumbered, used a shotgun as retaliation. An 18 year old vocational student sustained serious injuries from the altercation and was taken to Kasemrad Hospital in Bang Khae. The incident occurred yesterday, March…
- Thailand News
Man arrested for wife’s murder 20 years ago as deadline looms
Police from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division apprehended a 58 year old man accused of fatally stabbing his wife nearly 20 years ago. The arrest occurred just days before the statute of limitations on the murder case was set to expire. The suspect, identified as Prajuab, was found working as a construction labourer in Chon Buri. Yesterday, March 9, Police…
- Thailand News
No-confidence motion barred over Thaksin reference
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha stated that a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not be included on the Parliamentary agenda if it continues to reference former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. After the motion was submitted to him, Wan informed opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut that any mention of Thaksin must be removed. He argued that referencing Thaksin, who…
- Thailand News
Thailand urged to reform laws amid domestic violence surge
A network focused on reducing gender-based violence has expressed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence in Thailand, urging the government to undertake legal reforms to address the issue. Varaporn Chamsanit, Secretary General of the Sexualities Studies Association and representative of the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence Thailand, highlighted that, on average, 15,000 people annually seek hospital treatment for injuries…
- South Thailand News
Surat Thani to welcome new cruise terminal by 2032
Plans are underway to construct a large cruise terminal in Surat Thani, set for completion by 2032 in a move to boost the tourism economy and accommodate increasing international cruise traffic in the southern province. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced this during a visit to Surat Thani yesterday, March 9, to assess the port development progress, following the Cabinet’s approval…
- Thailand Travel
Buying medicine at 7-11 in Thailand, is it more convenient?
Few sights become as familiar as the bright green, orange, and red logo of 7-11. With over 14,500 branches erected across Thailand as of 2023, it’s no surprise that you can’t walk around anywhere without sighting the iconic convenience store. Because they appear on every nook and cranny of Thailand, seeming to appear on virtually every street corner, 7-11 is…
- Thailand News
Thai shippers warn of slow govt response to Trump’s trade policies
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has raised concerns over the government’s sluggish response to potential trade penalties under the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that delays could result in heavy tariffs on Thai exports. TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk stated that the government has made little progress in preparing for the so-called Trump 2.0 trade measures. Trump previously…
- Phuket News
Mentally ill Phuket man attacks mother, slits local’s throat
A mentally ill man in Phuket attacked his mother before attempting to slit another man’s throat with a box cutter in east Phuket Town on February 28, leaving locals in shock. The incident occurred near a local mosque. According to reports, the suspect, 35 year old Sansern Sa-at, first attacked his mother before turning his aggression toward 64 year old…
- Koh Samui News
Koh Samui hotel rates surge 40% after The White Lotus airs
Luxury hotel room rates on Koh Samui have increased by up to 50% following the airing of season three of The White Lotus two weeks ago. Despite this, rates have not yet matched the peak levels seen in Phuket and Bangkok. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, Senior Vice-President of Advisory and Asset Management for Asia at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, noted that…
- Thailand News
Thai casino entry rule demands 50 million baht deposit for citizens
Thai nationals wishing to enter the proposed casino-entertainment complex must have held at least 50 million baht in a fixed deposit account for a minimum of six months, according to a government source. This stipulation is part of Section 65 of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which has been examined by the Council of State and will be reviewed by the…
- Business News
Thailand sees record 1.13 trillion baht foreign investment boost
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed optimism about Thailand’s economic prospects, highlighting significant foreign investment, which reached over 1.13 trillion baht last year, the highest in a decade. In a monthly Empowering Thais TV segment aired by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the premier shares her optimism in regards to economic trajectory, despite last year’s 2.5% growth. “We will work…
- Thailand News
China defends Uyghur deportation amid international criticism
The Chinese embassy in Thailand stated that the recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand is a standard procedure of Sino-Thai cooperation on addressing illegal immigration. The move has been met with criticism from certain countries, which the embassy accuses of applying a double standard. In response to international criticism regarding the treatment of this ethnic minority, the embassy clarified…
- Thailand News
Concerns rise over vapes with sedative drugs sold to Thai teenagers
The Thai government has issued a warning to teenagers about the growing trend of zombie cigarettes, which contain sedative drugs and have been found circulating in the Thonglor entertainment area. According to Anukul Prueksanusak, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, these synthetic drugs are part of a new wave of homemade narcotics. Despite ongoing government efforts to combat…
- Thailand News
Truck falls through damaged bridge in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Three days after warnings were issued about the condition of a bridge in Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, a truck carrying rubber wood fell through a large hole on February 22. Prior to the collapse, a local had posted warnings on February 19 about the deteriorating state of the bridge in a Facebook group. The post alerted residents…
- Thailand News
Former Thai PM Thanin Kraivichien passes away at 97
Thanin Kraivichien, the 14th Prime Minister of Thailand and former President of the Privy Council during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, passed away yesterday, February 23, at the age of 97. His family has announced that the schedule for his royal cremation and religious ceremonies will be shared in due course. Born in Bangkok on April…
- Thailand News
Thaksin apologises for 2004 Tak Bai massacre amid bombings
Thaksin Shinawatra has issued an apology regarding the tragic events of the Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat province, which took place in 2004 under his leadership. The former Thailand PM acknowledged procedural errors during his tenure and expressed remorse to the Muslim community. Thaksin stated his deep concern for the citizens during his time as PM, admitting that mistakes were…
- Thailand News
Nok Air shifts focus from China to India, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore
Nok Air intends to reduce its flights to mainland China this year due to slow market growth and will instead focus on expanding its services to India, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. The airline’s Chief Executive, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, highlighted the shift in Chinese tourists’ preferences towards Japan over Thailand and noted the Chinese government’s lack of support for outbound travel. Safety…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya enforces odd-even date parking to ease congestion
Pattaya ramped up enforcement of the odd-even parking system on South Pattaya Road to reduce traffic congestion and reclaim pedestrian walkways. The new rules, effective February 3, prohibit parking on alternate days, odd and even dates from 11am to 11pm along the 850-meter stretch between the Communications Intersection (Pattaya Third Road) and the Wat Chaimongkol Intersection. To ensure compliance, the…
