- Thailand News
Thai cops race against crime to catch Chinese students kidnap gang
Thai police are urgently tracking a gang responsible for kidnapping three Chinese students from a renowned university in Thonburi, demanding a ransom of 1.5 million baht. The last known location of the students indicates they were taken across the border into Myanmar. On October 20 at 5am, a professor from the university reported the incident to the Thammasala Police Station…
- Bangkok News
Iranian man caught impersonating police to rob tourists in Bangkok
Officers in Bang Rak apprehended an Iranian man impersonating a police officer to search tourists’ bags and steal cash. The suspect was finally caught at the Sadao checkpoint while attempting to flee to Malaysia. Police Major General Samart Phromchat, with local officers and immigration police, arrested 53 year old Ghiasi Arefhossein on charges of theft by impersonation. The arrest was…
- Thailand News
Three arrested in Bangkok for 28 million baht tax evasion
Three company directors were arrested for tax evasion by issuing fake invoices and evading VAT, causing over 28 million baht in damages to the Revenue Department. The arrests, which took place yesterday, October 21, were conducted by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). Police Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue ordered the operation, with Police Colonel Chatchawan Chuchaiyarit, Police Lieutenant Colonel Watit…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Senator urges probe into bus fire killing 23 in Sing Buri
Senator Alongkot Vorakee has called on the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) to investigate alleged misconduct by Sing Buri’s land transport officials concerning a bus blaze tragedy that resulted in the deaths of three teachers and 20 students on October 1. The tragedy involved victims from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani, who were on a…
- 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
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
TAT outlines creative strategies to boost tourism campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out creative strategies to boost domestic tourism for the final quarter of 2024. Nithee Seeprae, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, acknowledged challenges such as economic constraints, household debt, and localised flooding, but reaffirmed their efforts to encourage travel and increase spending. The focus will be on events like the Winter Festival,…
- 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…
- 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…
- Business News
Hong Kong urged to innovate for tourist spending boost
Hong Kong businesses need to innovate to attract tourist spending, rather than focusing on the decline in visitor expenditure, a senior official has advised. Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, highlighted yesterday, October 20, that tourists are still eager to spend but have heightened expectations. “We cannot just complain about why people aren’t spending money. It’s not that…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Cat-astrophic bill: Cat bite leads to 410,000 baht infection
A young woman from Ayutthaya nearly lost her hand after a cat bite, resulting in a severe bacterial infection and medical expenses amounting to 410,000 baht. She now warns others to seek immediate medical attention if bitten by pets. The woman, 29 year old Sansanee from Wang Noi district revealed that on September 21, she attempted to trim the nails…
- 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
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 News
Unholy muddle: Monks caught in naughty habits in defrock shock
Police officers and a village head raided a monk’s quarters, resulting in the defrocking of two monks for engaging in drug use, drinking alcohol, and having an illicit affair with a local man’s wife. The raid occurred after receiving complaints and evidence of inappropriate behaviour. The search took place at a temple in Lahan Sai district, Buriram province yesterday, October…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Thai worker killed by leftover ammunition in Israeli orchard
The explosion in northern Israel that claimed the life of 42 year old Thai worker Nisan Meerum, prompted the Ministry of Labour to extend its condolences and seek answers from the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) regarding the deployment of Thai labourers in a closed military zone. Israeli government officials and the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv reported the…
- 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…
- 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,…
