- Thailand News
Thief poses as courier, steals Rolex watches worth 615,000 baht
A seller of vintage goods experienced a distressing incident when a thief impersonated a courier to retrieve a package containing two Rolex watches valued at 615,000 baht. Despite reporting the crime to the police three times, they were less than helpful and the case was dismissed as a civil matter, leaving the victim without recourse. The victim, 36 year old…
- Thailand News
Oh, cock! Police arrest nearly 50 major cockfighting raid
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested nearly 50 people involved in illegal cockfighting, following a tip-off about a large gathering of gamblers in a rural area. The operation, carried out by a team of over 30 officers, highlighted ongoing illegal gambling activities in the region. Officers swiftly moved to take action after receiving a complaint via the Damrongdhama Centre regarding an…
- Business News
Thailand to finalise free-trade deal with EFTA by January
Thailand is set to finalise a free-trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by January next year, aiming to boost its export market and draw European investors. This announcement from the Ministry of Commerce emphasises a strategic step forward in Thailand’s economic expansion. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan confirmed the completion of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)…
- Thailand News
Legal action pursued over shooting at elephants in Thailand
Kaeng Krachan National Park officials are actively pursuing legal action against people involved in a shooting incident aimed at intimidating wild elephants. The unsettling event, caught in a TikTok video, occurred yesterday evening, November 30, showing a black sedan from which four gunshots were fired as elephants roamed nearby. The car was travelling on the Nong Phlap-Huai Sat Yai road,…
- Bangkok News
Two men arrested for posing as police to rob tourists in Bangkok
Two men in Bangkok have been detained following allegations of impersonating police officers to rob Vietnamese tourists. The incident unfolded at a restaurant in the capital yesterday, November 30, as detailed by Noppasin Poolsawat, the deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Three people, clad in police attire complete with bulletproof vests and jackets, approached the tourists. They brandished police…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya paid sexual encounter turns to knife attack
A tense altercation in Pattaya led to a violent encounter yesterday, November 30, when a dispute over time management in a paid sexual encounter resulted in an attempted knife attack. The victim, 36 year old Sarinya sustained minor injuries after a knife was used against her neck. The incident occurred at an unnamed apartment complex in Jomtien, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung,…
- Thailand News
Four million young Thais hooked on online gambling, experts warn
More than four million young Thais have been lured into the world of online gambling, a growing concern that experts warn could evolve into addiction, affecting their mental and physical health. This pressing issue was brought to light by Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, during the annual conference of the Centre for Gambling Studies (CGS) held recently…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways secures 44 billion baht in share rights offering
The Government of Thailand announced plans to increase its investment in Thai Airways International (THAI) without reinstating the airline as a state enterprise. This decision was confirmed during a Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, where Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira provided updates on the airline’s debt restructuring efforts. During the meeting, it was revealed that THAI anticipates raising approximately 44 billion…
- Thailand News
Thailand unveils plan to boost SMEs, tackle substandard imports
The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Napintorn Srisangpang, has reported on the outcomes of the second meeting of the subcommittee aimed at promoting and upgrading Thai SMEs, alongside tackling the issue of substandard foreign goods. The meeting, involving 20 related government agencies, categorised products into three groups: agricultural, consumer, and industrial products. To address these issues, a three-phase plan, short, medium,…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen man killed by coconut tree
A tragic accident claimed the life of a man at a temple in Khon Kaen province when a coconut tree he was cutting down fell on him. The incident was captured on video by a monk, providing a heartbreaking final image of the man’s life. Yesterday, November 28, Phongphichit Thanapantphakdee, deputy inspector of Mancha Khiri Police Station, received a report…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways gets a financial lift-off with ministry’s capital boost
The Ministry of Finance is set to propose a capital injection for Thai Airways International to the Cabinet next week. This move is designed to ensure the airline’s recovery while keeping the ministry’s shareholding below 50%, preventing a reversion to state enterprise status, as confirmed by Tibordee Wattanakul, Director-General of the State Enterprise Policy Office. This financial boost is part…
- Thailand News
Bail denied for Boon Vanasin’s wife and daughter
The Criminal Court has denied bail for the wife and daughter of Boon Vanasin, citing ongoing investigations and concerns about potential evidence tampering and flight risk. Yesterday at 10am, November 28, the court convened to consider the temporary release request for 79 year old Jaruwan Vanasin and 51 year old Nalin Vanasin, both of whom are accused alongside Boon Vanasin…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s economy rebounds but experts warn of growth risks
Thailand’s economy is showing signs of recovery, yet economists warn of ongoing risks that could hinder its growth potential. Key challenges include elevated household debt, slow income recovery for vulnerable groups, and Thailand’s economic interdependence with China. Despite these issues, the Thai economy reported a growth of 1.9% in 2023, although this was below expectations. The economy is gaining strength,…
- Thailand News
AOT confirms facial recognition for international flights
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) yesterday announced that the state-owned enterprise will implement facial recognition services at six major airports for international flights starting December 1. The biometrics-based system will be deployed at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Suvarnabhumi airports. AOT anticipates the new technology will significantly streamline the passenger experience, reducing checkpoint processing time…
- Thailand News
SET soon to adpot AI for monitoring of listed companies
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is set to implement artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance its monitoring of listed companies amid growing concerns about corporate fraud. SET President Asadej Kongsiri explained that the AI adoption will enable the bourse to more rapidly detect irregular share price movements and trading activities, allowing for quicker investor notifications. Asadej highlighted that late…
- Business News
Thailand’s manufacturing index poised for growth after 2024 dip
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is set to see a turnaround next year, with expectations of a 1.5 to 2.5% growth. This forecast comes as a recovery from the anticipated 1.6% contraction in 2024, largely attributed to weak consumer purchasing power and high household debt, as reported by the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). OIE Director General Passakorn Chairat expressed…
- Thailand News
Three referendums required for 2017 constitution rewrite
Three referendums are deemed necessary for a complete rewrite of the 2017 constitution, according to Nikorn Chamnong, the secretary of the joint House-Senate panel on the referendum bill. This statement directly counters the claim made by People’s Party list MP Parit Wacharasindhu, who suggested that only two referendums would be needed, a point he believed was backed by Parliament President…
- Thailand News
Thailand to safeguard Buddhism from exploitation
The Government of Thailand announced a commitment to taking a proactive approach to safeguarding Buddhism, aiming to address issues before they escalate into public controversies or complaints. This marks a shift from previous strategies, where the National Office of Buddhism typically responded to problems only after they surfaced. Chousak Sirinil, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for overseeing…
- Thailand News
Infant child drowns in canal after left unattended by mother
A tragic accident occurred when a young child went missing after being left alone by his mother who stepped out briefly to go shopping. The child, aged just one year and eight months, was later found drowned in a nearby canal, 2 kilometres from home. Local officials received a report about a missing child in the village of Mueang Ngam,…
- Thailand News
Girl, 11, rescued after abduction, abuse by teenage kidnapper
An 11 year old girl was reportedly abducted and assaulted by a 16 year old male acquaintance she met on Facebook, sparking a desperate search by her mother and police. The girl was eventually rescued, safe but shaken, after enduring five days of captivity. The distressing incident began when the girl’s mother reported her daughter missing to the Pavena Hongsakul…
- Thailand News
Thai airlines offer 30% discounts on 50,000 seats for new year
The Thai Ministry of Transport announced a new year’s gift for travellers, addressing the issue of expensive flight tickets by collaborating with airlines to offer a 30% discount on 50,000 seats during the new year holiday period. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit yesterday, November 27, disclosed that a meeting was convened with the Thai Airline Association.…
- Chiang Mai News
CIB dismantle illegal telecom network in Chiang Mai
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) successfully carried out Operation CIB Crush the Grey Dragon, dismantling a network of illegal telecommunications in Chiang Mai. This operation led to the arrest of a Thai woman, 30 year old Jiraporn Prakobkit, and 14 other people associated with the criminal group. Among those arrested were one Thai man, five Chinese nationals, and eight Myanmar…
- Thailand News
Thai racer alleges deception, loses 3.5 million baht
A renowned Thai lawyer has taken up the case of a female national motorcycle racer, who claims to have been deceived by senior figures in the sports industry, leading to a loss of nearly 3.5 million baht. Lawyer Kriengsak Pintusornsi joined forces with actress Sitang Buathong and Ratchada Nakkachareonsri yesterday, November 27, Thailand’s first female competitor at the World Superbike…
- Thailand News
Beauty and the bust: Cops raid fake Khon Kaen cosmetics factory
In a significant crackdown on illegal cosmetics production, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CCPD) conducted a raid on an underground factory in Khon Kaen, resulting in the seizure of more than 40,000 counterfeit items valued at approximately 2 million baht. Investigators traced the illegal operation to a residence located in the Chum Phae district, where unauthorised cosmetic products were being…
- Thailand News
Thai trade talks: Minister navigates surplus dilemmas with US
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan is set to visit the United States in February to address concerns about Thailand’s trade surplus between the two nations. Following a meeting at the Commerce Ministry with representatives from 50 US corporations who are members of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), which includes major multinationals like Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Citi, Google, Mastercard, and Seagate. Pichai…
- Thailand News
Ceremony in Siam’s old capital celebrates historic Iranian scholar
The Iranian Embassy in Thailand hosted a ceremony commemorating Sheikh Ahmad Qomi, a historical figure credited with fostering cultural ties between Iran and Thailand, at his mausoleum in Ayutthaya province on November 23. The event, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, was joined by high-ranking Iranian and Thai officials, academics, researchers, and culture enthusiasts. Nasseredin Heidari,…
- Thailand News
Thai graduates face high unemployment despite stable job market
Thailand’s unemployment rates reveal a concerning trend among university graduates, with 65% unable to secure employment. Long-term unemployment has risen by 16%, and a significant 71.3% of the unemployed have never worked before. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), announced the findings from the third quarter of 2024, highlighting a relatively stable employment scene.…
- Thailand News
Thai patrol rescues 39 foreigners from call centre scam at border
Thirty-nine foreign nationals were rescued by Thai officers during a border patrol operation, claiming to have been victims of a call centre gang. The rescue took place yesterday morning, November 25, at the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district. Border patrol officers, alongside the Naresuan Task Force, discovered the group near a village while conducting a routine patrol. Among those…
- Bangkok News
Grease pipe blockage causes leak at Bangkok shopping mall
Officials from the Chatuchak district in Bangkok swiftly addressed concerns over a pipe incident at a prominent shopping mall in the Ladprao area, confirming it was not a sewage leak. The incident stemmed from a blockage in a grease pipe on the fourth floor, causing pressure buildup and a subsequent leak. Despite initial fears, no sewage was involved. Yesterday morning,…
- Thailand News
Illegal bitcoin mining busted in Ayutthaya with free electricity use
A bitcoin mining operation illegally using free electricity worth 200,000 baht per month was recently raided in Ayutthaya. Thirty-one mining machines were discovered in a rented commercial building, leading to legal actions against the perpetrators. Police and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) officials executed a search warrant at a commercial building along the Asian Highway in Ayutthaya after detecting unusual electricity…
