- Northern Thailand News
Chiang Mai man arrested after shooting during Loy Krathong
Police in Chiang Mai apprehended a young man following a dramatic incident where he intervened in a marital dispute, only to shoot the husband in the neck after being insulted. The police captured the suspect after a tense manhunt following the Loy Krathong festival. The incident unfolded early yesterday, November 17, when Chiang Mai police were alerted to a shooting…
- Thailand News
Fire destroys Ayutthaya home, damages over 5 million baht
A devastating fire engulfed a two-storey home in Pak Jan, Nakhon Luang, Ayutthaya province, leaving the property in ruins with damages estimated at over 5 million baht. The blaze, which occurred yesterday, November 17, at 10pm, forced a 69 year old retired teacher, Suchin, to flee for his life. The incident unfolded rapidly as police and local firefighters were alerted…
- Thailand News
Rare 1-baht coin could fetch up to 100,000 baht
Collectors are buzzing with excitement over the recent discovery of a rare 1-baht coin from the reign of King Rama IX, featuring an unusual double-tail side. A renowned shop has revealed that finding such a coin could fetch up to 100,000 baht. A report from yesterday, November 17, highlights the excitement in the collector’s community following a post by Panan…
- Thailand News
Thailand fast-tracks labour law reforms to meet ILO standards
The Labour Ministry is fast-tracking revisions to key legislation to elevate the country’s labour rights to international standards. Spokesperson Phumipat Mueanchan confirmed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has prioritised updating the Labour Relations Act and the State Enterprise Labor Relations Act in alignment with International Labor Organisation (ILO) conventions. These legislative changes aim to enhance workers’ rights, particularly focusing on…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Storm warning: Thailand’s weather is about to reign on your parade
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather forecast for tomorrow, November 19, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain in certain areas. Bangkok and central regions are expected to experience the most severe conditions, affecting 22 provinces in total. An influx of moderately cold air from China is currently covering the upper northern region, the upper northeastern region, and…
- Thailand News
Southeast Asian durian exporters unfazed by Chinese competition
Southeast Asian durian exporters remain confident about their market position despite China’s attempts at domestic durian production, though concerns are growing about potential oversupply and weakening demand in the Chinese market. Industry leaders gathering at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai dismissed worries about competition from Chinese-grown durians, particularly those from Hainan province. Jeremy Chin, Managing Director of…
- Thailand News
Thaksin’s Pheu Thai campaign in Surin election ‘not unlawful’
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s planned campaign activities in Surin province are within legal bounds, Defence Minister and Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today, November 11, at Government House. Thaksin, who is widely seen as Pheu Thai Party‘s de facto leader, is scheduled to visit Surin from November 19 to 20 to support Natthamon Siriwattanawanit, a former vice CEO of…
- Thailand News
Thai paralympic champion banned over missed drug tests
Thailand’s decorated wheelchair racing athlete Prawat Wahoram issued a detailed response following his one-year ban by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for anti-doping rule violations (ADRV), emphasising he has never used banned substances throughout his career. Following the IPC’s announcement of the ban, Prawat took to Facebook to present his side of the story. “I affirm with honour from over…
- News
Philippines blown away by another storm, farmers bear the brunt
In another blow to the Philippines’ storm-battered agricultural sector, Typhoon Toraji devastated the northern coast this morning, November 11, threatening to exacerbate millions in crop losses already sustained this year from relentless cyclones. The storm, designated locally as Nika, struck Aurora province with winds reaching 130 kilometres per hour—equivalent to a category 1 hurricane. Weather officials warn the typhoon could…
- Business News
Thai businesses urged to monitor US trade policy under Trump
The Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association advises local businesses to closely watch global trade dynamics and the international economy in light of Donald Trump’s recent return to the White House. This call to attention comes amid concerns about potential shifts in US trade policy that could have far-reaching impacts. Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, serving as an honorary advisor to the association,…
- Bangkok News
Pickpocketing Mongolian tourists arrested in Bangkok
Bangkok police apprehended two Mongolian nationals in connection with a series of tourist-targeted thefts in the Sukhumvit area of the capital. The arrests occurred at 1am today, November 11, when Thonglo police officers caught 35 year old Sodbayar, and 40 year old Uyangabaatar along Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. The investigation began after a female tourist reported her wallet stolen outside…
- Thailand News
Armed gang steals rosewood logs, attacks officers
A coordinated nighttime attack on a forestry protection unit in Nakhon Phanom province resulted in the theft of valuable Siam rosewood and weapons, with officials suggesting the raid was carefully planned by a gang familiar with the location. The incident occurred yesterday, November 10, shortly after midnight in Ban Kut Takab, Waritchaphum district, when five masked men in black clothing…
- Business News
Thaicom 9A satellite repositioned to secure Thailand’s orbital rights
Thaicom is set to reposition an EutelSat satellite, now labelled Thaicom 9A, to the 50.5° East orbit. This move comes as the deadline to retain Thailand’s rights to the orbit approaches, expiring tomorrow, November 12. The satellite operator aims to ensure the country’s continued access to this orbital position by completing the relocation process within the stipulated timeframe. Last month,…
- Business News
Vietnam to block Shein, Temu if unregistered by November
Vietnam announced plans to take action against Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu by blocking their Internet domains and mobile applications if they fail to register their operations with the Ministry of Industry and Trade by the end of November. This development arises from concerns over the influence of these Chinese platforms on local markets, particularly regarding their aggressive discounting…
- Business News
Bitcoin hits record high after Trump’s US presidential victory
Bitcoin surged past US$81,000 (2.78 million baht) today, November 11, hitting a record high, following Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election. The victory, alongside the election of pro-crypto candidates to Congress, has fuelled speculation about a more lenient regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. The digital currency has experienced a remarkable rise, more than doubling from its lowest point of…
- Thailand News
Thailand gears up for excise tax as it charges into electric future
Thailand is set to adjust its automotive excise tax structure to reflect the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This move aims to harmonise local policies with international trends in the automotive industry, particularly as the competition between battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) intensifies. Paopoom highlighted the uncertainty…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels
Bangkok faced a spike in PM2.5 pollution levels, with 35 areas registering unhealthy air quality, prompting swift action from City Hall. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued warnings to help residents mitigate health impacts from the pollutants. PM2.5, or ultra-fine dust particles, exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in several areas, according to AirBKK, BMA’s…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport sees surge with over 30,000 passengers daily
Phuket International Airport is experiencing a significant upswing in passenger traffic this High Season, with daily figures surpassing 30,000 travellers and over 300 flights. This uptick in activity has prompted plans for an expansion of the international terminal to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually. Monchai Tanod, the director of Phuket Airport, shared insights on the anticipated passenger numbers…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks Japanese investment in high-tech sectors
Thailand’s Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Japanese business leaders on November 1 to encourage increased investment in advanced technology sectors, aiming to restore Japan’s position as Thailand’s primary foreign investor. In his first meeting since taking office, Pichai held discussions with Keita Ishii, president of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), alongside executives from major Japanese firms…
- Thailand News
Thailand steps up border monitoring due to palm oil smuggling
Thailand’s border officials have heightened surveillance along the Malaysian border to combat potential palm oil smuggling, as price differences between the two countries create incentives for illegal trade. Internal Trade Department Director-General Udom Srisomsong directed commerce officials in Songkhla and Satun provinces to strengthen border checkpoint inspections. The Satun Public Relations Office confirmed that officials conducted thorough examinations of palm…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand board chair decision delayed amid controversy
The selection process for a new board chairman at the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has been delayed yet again, as the independent committee overseeing the choice opted to postpone its decision for another week. They indicated the necessity of more time to fully consider the information presented. This marks the second delay in the decision-making process, following an earlier postponement…
- Transport News
High-speed airport rail link contract still pending review
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced today that the amended contract for the high-speed airport rail link connecting three major airports cannot yet be presented to the Cabinet this week, as it awaits thorough review from the State Enterprise Committee. Suriya today, November 4, said he plans to discuss the timeline with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn leads Suan Dusit’s political-index survey
A recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emerging as the most popular coalition politician. The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25…
- Thailand News
Property market measures to be discussed in Cabinet meeting
Ministers are set to review several measures to boost the property market at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced. In a statement released today, November 4, Pichai revealed that the Finance Ministry will ask the Cabinet to approve 55 billion baht for low-interest home loans. These loans would be available for up to 3 million baht per buyer.…
- Thailand News
Finance Ministry to sell 50% stake shares for 30 to 40 billion baht
The State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) is set to divest shares held by the Finance Ministry, where stakes are below 50%, over the next four to five years. The sale will utilise a mark-to-market pricing method to ensure fair market value is considered. Tibordee Wattanakul, SEPO Director-General, highlighted the challenges faced in previous attempts to offload these shares. A lack…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai seeks easier referendum rules amid legislative clash
The Pheu Thai Party is making moves to amend the constitutional referendum requirements, aiming to ease the passage of such referendums by reducing the size of the majority needed. Prayut Siripanich, a member of the ruling party and deputy chairman of the joint House-Senate committee on the referendum bill, announced that discussions will take place tomorrow, November 5, to address…