Ryan Turner
- Thailand News
Police turns blind eye to knife-wielding man demanding beach fee
An alarming incident unfolded recently at a Phuket beach, involving a man allegedly threatening two fishermen with a machete while demanding a beach fee. Despite having evidence, the local police dismissed the complaint, deeming it a mere story. Today, July 3, a local fisherman who recorded the video, Wut, recounted the events. He and two friends initially went fishing at…
- Thailand News
Consumer protection laws drafted to safeguard online shoppers
Shoppers in Thailand can now rejoice as new consumer protection laws have been introduced to safeguard online shoppers. These laws allow buyers to inspect goods before payment and request refunds within five days. Channel 3 reported that Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Jiraporn Sinthuprai revealed that many citizens have lodged complaints with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). Issues…
- Thailand News
Thai singer battle swarm of termites while on stage (video)
A young singer found himself battling a swarm of flying termites while performing on stage, a bizarre situation captured and shared widely online, earning him considerable support from online users. In a viral clip posted on the Mongkhon Sound & Studio Facebook page, the singer, identified as 29 year old Witthaya Siwakrothok from Mueang district, Buriram Province, can be seen…
- Thailand News
Revised debt management plan pushes borrowing to 1.03t baht
The Thai Cabinet approved a revised public debt management plan for the 2024 fiscal year, incorporating an additional 275.87 billion baht in borrowing. Of this, 269 billion baht is designated for direct government use and lending to state enterprises for debt restructuring. According to Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri, this revision increases the total new borrowing for the current fiscal…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai residents protest lignite coal pollution from Laos
Residents of Chiang Khong are facing severe distress due to pollution caused by a private company transporting lignite coal from Laos. Despite multiple complaints, the issue remains unresolved, prompting the district chief to order a temporary halt to the transportation. Mong Saenyai, a resident of Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai Province, yesterday, July 2, revealed that villagers from Ban Mai…
- Thailand News
Thailand boosts financial aid for dependent individuals
The Government of Thailand is set to increase annual financial aid for dependent individuals from 6,000 baht to 10,442 baht per person while expanding the target group to cover up to 600,000 people. Deputy government spokesperson Karom Ponpolklang announced today, July 3, that each year, approximately 320,000 dependent individuals receive care from the state. However, additional groups in the community,…
- Thailand News
Seized cars drive Thai social media wild as auction lot goes viral
A parking lot filled with seized vehicles, ranging from pickup trucks to motorcycles, awaiting auction went viral on social media today. Vehicles, both old and new, are being auctioned at starting prices as low as 3,000 baht for cars and 100 baht for motorcycles. However, buyers must handle overdue taxes, fix damages and manage repairs by themselves. Images of the…
- Thailand News
Builder beware: Scam artist nails deposits, leaves homes hanging
A notorious contractor has been wreaking havoc across Thailand, scamming homeowners by taking deposits and abandoning projects. A homeowner in Chiang Mai has lost hundreds of thousands of baht, ending up with nothing more than house pillars. A resident from Rong Wua Daeng, San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai, yesterday, July 2, reported that a contractor had absconded after receiving three…
- Thailand News
Repossessed car suddenly catches fire in northern Thailand
A finance officer experienced a shocking incident when a repossessed car he was towing suddenly caught fire and was completely destroyed by the blaze. The incident occurred yesterday, July 2, at 2.40pm on Mittraphap Road, inbound to Pak Chong, in the Klang Dong area of Nakhon Ratchasima. An investigator at Klang Dong Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Auaychai Phromwong, received…
- Thailand News
Bangkok crackdown: Five cops shuffled out as gambling den found
Bangkok police dismissed five senior officers from Bang Yi Khan Police Station after an illegal gambling den was discovered near a prominent shopping mall in Pin Klao. This action follows an incident yesterday where police, along with Ministry of Interior officials, arrested individuals involved in illegal gambling. At 8.30pm yesterday, July 2, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Bureau Region 7,…
- Thailand News
Man tricked into scam call centre, ordains as monk in remorse
A young man deceived into working for a call centre scam in a neighbouring country has expressed remorse and plans to ordain as a monk to dedicate merit to the scam victims. He endured eight months of abuse before seeking help to return to Thailand. Chairman of the Northern Star Foundation, Phim Mai Sakdipatpokin, reported that a 29 year old…
- Thailand News
Thailand launches project to tackle 1 million school dropouts
The government is set to launch a project to address the increasingly prevalent issue of school dropouts in Thailand. The initiative aims to locate and assist over a million students who have prematurely ended their formal education. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the Thailand Zero Dropout policy, which aims to ensure all children return to school. This initiative comprises four…
- Thailand News
Thailand considers alcohol ban lift to boost restaurant spirits
The Government of Thailand is considering lifting the afternoon ban on alcohol sales to assist struggling restaurant operators amid an economic downturn. Representatives from the Restaurant Business Club submitted a letter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, urging for measures to help restaurants survive the challenging economic climate. Restaurant operators highlighted rising operating costs and increasing prices of ingredients as major…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns
Inadequate infrastructure development in Phuket is struggling to match the island’s rapid urbanisation and severe flooding, tarnishing its reputation. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient budget and upgrade public facilities as promised is a significant concern. The President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, highlighted that 60% of tourists are first-time visitors who might not return if infrastructure issues…
- Thailand News
Bill proposed to curb child obesity from AI-driven junk food ads
A new bill designed to curb child obesity by safeguarding children from modern AI-driven marketing tactics that encourage unhealthy eating habits is set to be presented to legislators. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Pongpol Vorapani, spoke during the final public hearing of the bill, noting that the high rate of obesity among Thai children, which has more…
- Thailand News
Thailand urged to harness and adopt solar energy to cut costs
Thailand’s abundance of sunlight offers an opportunity for a solar energy revolution, but high costs and regulatory barriers are holding back widespread adoption. Vice President of the Solar Energy Association of Thailand, Piyasak Pichetanawin, urged the government to support the use of solar energy, particularly in the industrial sector. Piyasak emphasises the importance of green energy, which can significantly reduce…
- Thailand News
Holy heist: Temple’s donation box worth 8,000 baht stolen
A temple theft at a prominent Ratchaburi chapel bore witness to thieves taking off with a donation box worth 8,000 baht at the revered Black and White Shrine. The temple’s caretaker today, July 2, pleaded for the thefts, which have occurred four times now, to stop. Photharam Police Radio Centre yesterday was informed of a theft at Wat Phra Si…
- Thailand News
Disruptive neighbour in Chiang Mai terrorises local community
A disruptive neighbour in Chiang Mai‘s Chom Thong district has become a source of frustration for the local community due to negative signage, loud noises, and other disturbances. Despite attempts to resolve the issues, the homeowner persists with these troubling antics. Residents of Ban Luang subdistrict, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, are troubled by a house that has become infamous…
- Thailand News
Gang arrested for stealing crane equipment worth 1.75 million baht
Police in Phetchaburi apprehended a gang responsible for stealing crane equipment worth over 1.7 million baht. The arrests followed an intensive investigation after the theft was reported in May. Officers from Ban Lat Police Station in Phetchaburi province, led by Phetchaburi District 3 Parliament Member and Police Commission member, Apichart Kaewkoson, alongside other high-ranking officials held a press conference to…
- Thailand News
Man arrested for child abduction, allegedly raping her 24 times
A man in Nakhon Ratchasima is currently facing charges for luring a 14 year old girl to live with him, engaging in sexual relations with her 24 times since April, facing charges of child abduction and statutory rape of a minor. An official from the National Rescue Organisation (NRO), Nalin Rojanawatthikorn, accompanied the mother and her teenage daughter to report…
- Thailand News
Dealership owner arrested for selling cars with outstanding finance
A car dealership owner in Prawet has been arrested for selling second-hand cars with outstanding finance which lacked registration books, causing damages worth 15 to 20 million baht. Over 40 victims reported the scam to the Prawet Police Station. Today, July 2, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, along with other senior officers, ordered the arrest of the dealership owner, 32…
- Thailand News
Blue Line MRT fares to rise by up to 2 baht from tomorrow
The fares for the Blue Line MRT will increase by 1 to 2 baht, starting tomorrow, with a maximum fare of 45 baht. Discounts for children and seniors remain at 50%. Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) announced the new fare rates for the Blue Line MRT, known as the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line. Starting tomorrow, July 3, the…
- Business News
Jet fuel tax relief losing altitude, says deputy finance minister
The Finance Ministry appears unlikely to extend the jet fuel excise tax reduction, which was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, stated Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Julapun addressed a recent proposal by a group of budget airlines seeking further reductions in the jet fuel excise tax. He remarked that such requests are not of immediate importance. Julapun highlighted that…
- Thailand News
Police seize one million meth pills in Chiang Mai operation
Police and paramilitary forces in Chiang Mai intercepted a drug trafficking operation, seizing one million methamphetamine pills and launching a manhunt for the suspects. The operation took place yesterday when officers from multiple agencies coordinated their efforts to target a notorious smuggling route. Officers from the Fang Drug Suppression Unit, in collaboration with the 3201st Paramilitary Ranger Company, the Phamuang…
- Business News
Thai hotels seek tax breaks for renovations and EV charger installs
Operators of Thai hotels are advocating for tax deductions or subsidies to support renovation investments, especially those focused on green energy initiatives. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also urged hotels in second-tier cities to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers to cater to the increasing number of travellers using EVs. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) is set to meet with…
- Thailand News
Thailand partners with Labubu to attract 8 million Chinese tourists
A tourism campaign featuring art toy mascot Labubu aims to draw eight million Chinese visitors and attract art toy enthusiasts globally, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated that Labubu’s selection as a promoter for Thai tourism is expected to enhance Thailand’s recognition among international tourists, in addition to the Chinese market. The…
- Thailand News
Noodle shop heroes stir up town chatter with double life-saving feat
Noodle shop employees became the talk of the town after saving two lives in a single day. Security footage from the Prathong Noodle Shop on Prajak Road in Udon Thani captured these extraordinary events yesterday, July 1. A foreign male customer, while dining at the restaurant, began choking on his food. His Thai wife quickly attempted to help by administering…
- Thailand News
Nonthaburi restaurant uses gun target sheet to deter thieves
A small restaurant in Nonthaburi has taken an unusual step to deter thieves by placing a shooting range target sheet next to their display menu. This decision follows a recent theft that left the eatery unable to operate for a day. At 6pm yesterday, July 1, a made-to-order food restaurant in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, displayed a shooting range target…
- Thailand News
Sour note: Hotelier faces hefty copyright fee for posting music clip
A well-known singer and hotel owner in Samut Prakan shared an alarming experience involving a hefty copyright fee after posting a live music performance clip online. This incident sparked a significant discussion on social media. Kittiphan Leesatruapai, also known as Nath Leatana, owns a hotel in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan. He recently shared his story on TikTok to warn other…
- Thailand News
Road-raging Bangkok taxi driver ready to serve a knuckle sandwich
A Bangkok taxi driver brandished brass knuckles and other weapons in an alarming road rage incident, leaving other drivers in fear. The incident was reported on social media by a prominent Facebook page which shared a video clip sent by a concerned follower. A public taxi driver, wearing a strikingly patterned shirt, reportedly displayed brass knuckles and an array of weapons…
