- Business News
FTI calls for fair e-commerce platform playing field
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on foreign e-commerce platforms and control the influx of low-cost products into Thailand. This call to action comes after a recent survey revealed that 35.1% of local entrepreneurs experienced a decline in sales due to inexpensive imports sold online. Vice-Chairman of the FTI, Peekthong Thongyai spoke…
- Business News
Thai Airways plans rehabilitation exit by mid-2025, banks to benefit
Creditors of Thai Airways International (THAI), particularly Bangkok Bank (BBL) and Krungthai Bank (KTB), are set to benefit from the airline’s planned exit from its rehabilitation scheme by mid-2025. The banks are being provided with several options for debt repayment, according to analysts. In recent reports submitted to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Securities and Exchange Commission,…
- Business News
Thailand & Hong Kong aims for ASEAN financial hub status
Thailand is exploring a partnership with Hong Kong to establish a financial hub aimed at connecting ASEAN markets. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced the initiative after a meeting with Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Lima, Peru. The meeting highlighted Thailand’s ambition to become a global financial player, as…
- Thailand News
Thailand law change to combat pyramid schemes after iCon scandal
Thailand is moving swiftly to draft amendments aimed at closing loopholes in various laws to better combat pyramid-like schemes as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat today, October 22. The initiative comes in response to the extensive damage caused by The iCon Group’s direct sales scandal. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tasked multiple agencies, including the Justice Ministry and Finance…
- Tourism News
Senate urges crackdown on foreign-run tourism businesses
The Senate called on the government to intensify efforts against tourism businesses managed by local proxies for foreign citizens, aiming to shield local enterprises from unfair competition. During a recent session, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas raised concerns about the difficulties Thai businesses face in competing with companies managed by nominees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong responded, revealing that ministry representatives…
- Thailand News
Police arrest woman for call centre scam and money laundering
Thai police arrested a 50 year old woman involved in a call centre scam and money laundering scheme after she served time in a foreign prison. The woman, Laksamee, was apprehended in Bangkok upon her return to Thailand. Laksamee was arrested following a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on June 11, 2018, for charges including attempted fraud, being part…
- Thailand News
Rural Roads demands BMA pave the way with late 197.9m baht fee
The Rural Roads Department urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to settle an outstanding payment of 197.9 million baht in land lease fees. These fees cover the use of three specific areas, including a portion of Ratchaphruek Road, and for the construction of two electric railway lines. Pichit Hoonsiri, the department’s deputy director-general, mentioned that the department sent a formal…
- Crime News
Illegal migrants in Pattaya soliciting money to be deported
Chon Buri immigration officers recently intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal migrants in Pattaya following reports of foreign nationals soliciting money from customers at a local restaurant at the weekend. The crackdown was initiated after the owner of an Arab restaurant on Soi 17 in South Pattaya raised concerns about a group of men, believed to be from Myanmar,…
- Thailand News
Thailand Book Expo closes chapter with record-breaking 1.4 million visitors
The 29th Annual Thailand Book Expo in Bangkok concluded yesterday, October 20, with resounding acclaim, having drawn an unprecedented 1.4 million visitors and amassed over 438 million baht in sales during its fortnight-long run. This spectacular turnout in Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre shattered previous records, showcasing the Thai populace’s enduring love affair with literature. This year’s expo exceeded all…
- Northern Thailand News
Travel subsidy scheme said to boost post-flood tourism in the north
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is considering increasing the budget for its tourism subsidy scheme to help tourism firms in the northern region recover from recent flood damage. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced the plans following a meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss economic and tourism stimulus measures. The meeting followed Sorawong’s visit to flood-hit Chiang…
- Thailand News
Thousands miss 10,000 baht digital payout due to outdated IDs
The Ministry of Finance, through the Comptroller General’s Department, has initiated the disbursement of 10,000 baht digital money payout to targeted groups under the 2024 economic stimulus programme. This effort includes those with state welfare cards and persons with disabilities. The payout, which took place on September 25, 26, 27, and 30, reached a significant number of beneficiaries. According to…
- Economy News
Thai Finance Ministry to tighten state welfare card criteria
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is set to review the criteria for the State Welfare Card registration, aiming to exclude ineligible individuals after finding some recipients receiving as much as 10,000 baht per month in benefits. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat announced a forthcoming meeting to discuss the progress of the new round of State Welfare Card registration. This comes following…
- Thailand News
Knife-wielding gamer turns arsonist, torches cars, attacks cop in Bangkok
Police captured a knife-welding gamer, turned arsonist, after he caused chaos by setting fire to three vehicles and injuring a police officer. The 44 year old suspect, Panthap, whose full name is withheld, was apprehended at his residence in Bangkok following a dramatic police operation in which he blamed his actions on a mobile game addiction. The incident that led to…
- Thailand News
Tour bus brake failure injures 38 in multi-vehicle crash
A tour bus carrying passengers from a religious event crashed into four vehicles yesterday due to brake failure, injuring 38 people, with two in critical condition. The incident occurred on Mittraphap Road near Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The crash happened at approximately 1.30am, yesterday, October 20, and police and emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene. The yellow and…
- Thailand News
Bangkok-Vientiane rail adds carriage to match 13,000+ passengers
More than 13,000 passengers have utilised the cross-border service of the Bangkok-Vientiane rail route since its inauguration on July 19, leading the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to add another passenger carriage to meet the increased demand. Governor of the SRT, Veeris Ammarapala announced yesterday, October 20, that he had recently met with Daochinda Siharat, Lao National Railway State Enterprise…
- Thailand News
Leveling up: Thailand gears up to boost esports with global gaming giants
The Government of Thailand is set to bolster the esports industry through collaboration with major global gaming companies, aiming to enhance manpower skills in this rapidly expanding field as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. Prasert, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), visited the Thailand Game Show 2024 at Queen Sirikit National Convention…
- Phuket News
Family feud turns fatal: Phuket man killed with pick axe handle
A man in Phuket was fatally attacked with a pick axe handle by a relative, leaving him dead at the scene. The attacker claimed the assault was in self-defence and awaited police to turn himself in. At 2pm yesterday, October 20, Weerayut Tanyasirisunwornkul, an investigator from Phuket City Police Station, received a report of a man being assaulted and killed…
- Thailand News
Temple abbot found dead after 650,000 baht fraud in Ayutthaya
A tragic case has emerged involving the abbot of a temple in Sena district, Ayutthaya province, who was found dead in his quarters. A handwritten note left by the 68 year old abbot revealed deep distress over financial betrayal. Police in Ayutthaya issued a summons for a man who allegedly deceived the abbot into lending him 650,000 baht. If found guilty,…
- Thailand News
Mother arrested for assaulting children in drunken frenzy
A heavily intoxicated mother was reported by neighbours after an assault on her eight year old son which created a chaotic scene at their residence. Her husband revealed that she had previously poured hot water on their six month old daughter. Officers from Pak Kret Police Station reported receiving a call around 8.30pm yesterday, October 20, regarding a mother in a state…
- Bangkok News
Armed gang extorts 4 million baht, kidnaps two in Bangkok heist
Five armed men stormed a prominent company on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, extorted over 4 million baht, and kidnapped two Chinese nationals before abandoning them on Nawamin Road. Police are currently investigating the incident. Yesterday, October 20, two Chinese nationals reported to Suthisan Police Station that they had been victims of an armed robbery and kidnapping at their workplace on…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain expected in 32 provinces with 70% of Bangkok affected
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) predicts heavy rain across 32 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience downpours over 70% of its area. Citizens are advised to stay alert for potential flash floods and forest runoff. The TMD issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in central, eastern, and…
- Thailand News
Thailand retains 10th spot in Asia Power Index 2024
Thailand maintained its position as the tenth most powerful and influential country in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Asia Power Index 2024 released by the Lowy Institute. Scoring 19.8 points, Thailand gained 1.1 points from last year but remains in the same ranking as in 2023. The Lowy Institute praised Thailand for its cultural influence and economic relationships, where it…
- Thailand News
Village in Udon Thani draws crowds after 18 million baht lottery win
The village of Naka in Udon Thani has become a significant destination for devotees after tourists reported winning 18 million baht in the lottery. This rare occurrence prompted a major ritual to honour the revered figures of Phraya Srisattanakarat and Prasat Phor Phu Srisuttho. Today, October 14, at Naka Village in Mueang district, Udon Thani, Anon Saennan, the founder of…
- Thailand News
Woman arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for fake shooting threats
A woman in Nakhon Ratchasima was arrested for posting fake shooting threats at a local mall in a spree of Facebook posts pretending to be a young man plotting the heinous acts. She cited stress and unemployment as reasonings for the hoax messages. Identified by police only as Bang-on, the 31 year old woman was apprehended at her residence in…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai confident on referendum despite double-majority dispute
The Pheu Thai Party remains optimistic that the referendum on constitutional amendments will proceed early next year, despite disagreements regarding the double-majority requirement in the referendum bill. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding the referendum in early 2025. The initial step involves ensuring that the amended bill successfully passes through Parliament in the coming…
- Business News
Middle East tensions threaten Thai economy with rising oil prices
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having a significant impact on the Thai private sector, as the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas extends beyond a year. The ongoing Israeli offensive has led to rising oil prices and shipping blockages, which threaten to affect the Thai economy by increasing inflation and prompting higher interest rates in countries like the…
- Thailand News
Last orders: Alcohol sales dry up nationwide for Buddhist lent finale
A nationwide alcohol sales ban will be enforced for 24 hours on the day of Awk Phansa, which marks the end of Buddhist Lent. This year, it falls on Thursday, October 17. The Alcohol Control Act mandates that all establishments, except duty-free shops in international airports, comply with this ban. The prohibition period begins at midnight on Wednesday, October 16,…
- Pattaya News
Scottish tourist in Pattaya paranoid after mixing cannabis and meds
A 55 year old Scottish tourist sparked concern at a Pattaya hotel after exhibiting erratic behaviour, believed to be linked to excessive cannabis and prescription medication use. Around 12.38pm yesterday, October 13, Pattaya police responded to a report from hotel staff regarding a foreign female guest acting irrationally at a hotel on Jomtien Beach Road. Upon arrival, officers encountered Tracy,…
- Phuket News
Confrontation at Phuket restaurant turns deadly, man gunned down
A man in Phuket was fatally shot while attempting to flee his attacker near Kathu Police Station yesterday, October 13 following a dispute between the two which had escalated to deadly levels. The victim, identified as 38 year old Suwit “Lek” Nokket, was shot twice before trying to escape across the street towards the police station. Despite being rushed to…
- Thailand News
Former officer arrested for embezzling 10 million baht
A former special operations officer from the Department of Corrections accused of embezzling 10 million baht from government funds has been arrested. The suspect, identified as 36 year old Pornchai Paripreecha was arrested at a barbecue restaurant in Nong Khai while allegedly waiting for his wife to bring him cash. Police Major General Montree Teskhan, head of the Crime Suppression…
