- Thailand News
Intoxicated tourist detained after Pattaya restaurant altercation
An intoxicated tourist was apprehended in Pattaya following an alleged assault on a restaurant owner’s husband. The incident unfolded at a restaurant in Soi Pratumnak 4. At 3.06am, today, November 18, 45 year old Grongkan Ketwetchasuriya, the owner of the establishment, approached Deputy Chief of Investigation, Sakyachai Chaidet, at the Pattaya City Police Station, seeking assistance in handling the unruly…
- Thailand News
Thailand backs free trade and green economy at APEC summit
Thailand is set to champion the establishment of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and is committed to supporting green economy initiatives and sustainable development. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscored these priorities during her participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat, chaired by Peru President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, before the conclusion of the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation…
- Thailand News
Airlines to add 73,000 seats for new year travel in Thailand
Six airlines are set to increase their seat offerings by over 73,000 during the new year period to prevent excessive price hikes during the festive season. This effort, led by the Transport Ministry, involves collaboration with Thai Airways International and other members of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), including Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and…
- 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
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 News
Thailand airports to rival global top 20 within five years, says AoT
Thailand’s major airports are set for a significant transformation as Airports of Thailand (AoT) aims to elevate them into the top 20 globally within five years, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s renowned Changi Airport. This ambitious plan, spearheaded by the Transport Ministry, targets Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a key player in achieving this goal. Permanent Secretary for Transport, Chayatan Phromsorn, confirmed…
- 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…
- 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,…
- Thailand News
Thailand to spotlight climate change at COP29 in Azerbaijan
Thailand unveils its plans to spotlight climate change initiatives at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan. The Thailand Pavilion will be a central feature, offering a platform to display the nation’s strategies and actions against climate change. Among the highlights are activities revolving around Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo, which will draw attention at the international…
- 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…
- Politics News
PM on dual-purpose trip to US west coast and APEC summit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra departed Bangkok yesterday for a diplomatic mission combining stops in Los Angeles and Lima, Peru. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and other officials, the delegation touched down in Los Angeles at 7.30pm local time, yesterday, November 10. The Thai premier’s Los Angeles agenda includes chairing a strategic meeting with diplomatic representatives from across the Americas…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Thai police develop influencers to combat cybercrime and aid public
National police chief Kittharath Punpetch is spearheading an innovative approach to bridge the gap between the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the public by developing police influencers. This initiative aims to establish a direct connection with the community and serve as a primary resource for crime prevention and assistance. Kittharath emphasises that RTP influencers will be accessible channels for public…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Teenager’s egg theft ends with compassion in Trat
A teenager’s desperate attempt to steal eggs from a roadside restaurant in Trat province ended in tears but also compassion. The 16 year old boy, caught by a passerby, explained his actions, having not eaten for almost four days. The restaurant owner, a 72 year old woman, decided against pressing charges, choosing instead to give him the food. The incident…
- 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…
- 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.…