- 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…
- 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…
- 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
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…
- 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…
- 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 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…
- 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
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
Road clash in Nonthaburi escalates with sword-wielding driver
A heated road altercation between two men in Nonthaburi, Thailand recently escalated, capturing considerable public attention. The incident, which unfolded yesterday, November 3, around 2pm at a U-turn near the MRT intersection in Nonthaburi 1, was widely discussed online after images of the confrontation surfaced. Involved were 50 year old Jirayut, a car driver, and 54 year old Saichon, a…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Truck driver files complaint over alleged 250,000 baht bribe
A truck driver and his wife filed a complaint against a group of men who posed as government officials, demanding a bribe of 250,000 baht after alleging the truck was transporting illegal goods. The incident took place in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, with the couple reporting the matter to local police. The truck driver, referred to as Kung, and…
- South Thailand News
Hat Yai backpack scare leads to four-hour road closure
A suspicious bag left outside the house of Hat Yai’s mayor prompted a four-hour road closure as police and bomb squads moved to neutralise the potential threat. This incident follows a series of violent events in the southern border provinces, including a recent car bomb attack in Pattani. Security agencies issued warnings to bolster protective measures at government offices and…
- Thailand News
Fishing for trouble: Pathum Thani fishermen dispute turns deadly
A confrontation over fishing rights escalated into violence, resulting in a man being shot and seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday, November 3, around 7.20pm in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province. Upon receiving the report, police officers, including Singha Singhachalee, a deputy investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, and other senior officers arrived at the scene to investigate. The…
- Business News
Commerce ministry urges halt on soyabean oil price hikes
The Commerce Ministry issued a call to edible oil processors, urging them not to increase retail prices, citing no rise in production costs. This follows reports indicating that soyabean oil producers are considering raising the price of bottled soyabean oil. Goranij Nonejuie, Internal Trade Department Deputy Director-General, announced that the department has formally requested the Soyabean and Rice Bran Oil…
- Thailand News
Private car blocks emergency vehicle, patient dies in Samut Prakan
Yesterday, November 3, at roughly 9.30pm, a car obstructed an emergency vehicle in Samut Prakan, ultimately resulting in a patient’s death. Despite lights and sirens, the car’s driver refused to yield for over a minute, causing delays for the rescue team. The incident, which was captured on video and shared online, shows the emergency vehicle from Samut Prakan City Municipality…
- Thailand News
Subway: Thailand customers’ ink-stained sandwich surprise
Subway, the beloved American sandwich franchise, has found itself at the centre of controversy after customers reported issues with the quality of food, particularly concerning the ink-stained wrapping paper sticking to both their sandwiches and their hands. The social media outcry has raised questions about why a franchise that has been officially terminated is still allowed to operate under the…