- 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
Thai man loses 1.8 million baht in online scam
A Thai man who works as a production manager has fallen victim to an online scam that has cost him just over 1.8 million baht. His family, worried about the financial losses, took him to file a police report yesterday, November 28, after he was convinced by fraudsters that he would be refunded the next day. The scam began when…
- 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
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
Plans in the works to increase hippo population in Thailand
Plans are progressing for Moo Toon, the older brother of the famed hippo Moo Deng, to mate with Moo Manao at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, aiming to increase the population of pygmy hippopotamuses in Thailand. Moo Toon celebrated his fifth birthday recently at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, where he resides with his sister. Moo Manao, currently eight…
- 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…
- 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
People’s Party shuns protests, opts for Parliamentary reform
Thailand’s main opposition group, the People’s Party (PP), has decided not to engage in the upcoming anti-government protests orchestrated by former protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Instead, PP is committed to operating within the Parliamentary system to fulfil its role as a political entity. Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesperson for the People’s Party, stated yesterday, November 27, that the party would prioritise addressing…
- 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
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…
- Pattaya News
Pet dogs poisoned in Chon Buri sparks outcry over animal cruelty
Tragedy struck yesterday when two pet dogs were poisoned and killed in Chon Buri province. Chalawan Chutaphet, a resident of Tambon Khao Mai Kaew, Bang Lamung district, expressed his deep sorrow following the incident, which has left his family devastated. The dogs were found dead after consuming fried chicken laced with a lethal substance, believed to have been deliberately placed…
- 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
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
Fishy business cafe forced to close doors due to health violations
The Department of Health announced the closure of a koi fish cafe in Chon Buri on Saturday for violating public health regulations. The cafe, known for allowing customers to dine while interacting with koi fish, was deemed a potential source of contamination and health risks, both for patrons and the ornamental fish. Doctor Thiti Sawaengtham, Deputy Director-General of the Department…
- 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 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…
- Thailand News
Thai PM urges action to curb violence against women and children
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called on the public to actively support government initiatives aimed at curbing violence against children and women. This appeal is part of the government’s annual anti-violence campaign, coinciding with National Violence Elimination Against Children and Women Month. Thailand designated November for this cause in 1999, aligning with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of…
- 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…
- Business News
Thai banks remains cautious despite liquidity surplus
Thailand’s banking sector is experiencing a significant liquidity surplus, according to a Bank of Thailand (BoT) assistant governor. The central bank has not yet increased its lending oversight, indicating a cautious approach by banks when it comes to extending loans. Sakkapop Panyanukul, in an article featured on the BoT’s website, explained that banks’ lending decisions are closely tied to the…
- Business News
Chinese firms eyeing 90 billion baht investment in Thai tech sectors
Concerns about potential high tariffs on Chinese exports under the incoming US president’s administration are prompting Chinese entrepreneurs to consider substantial investments in Thailand, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). The anticipated investments, valued at 90 billion baht, are expected to focus on sectors such as electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing, data centre equipment, and biodegradable packaging. Narit Therdsteerasukdi,…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai secures Udon Thani election win, credits Thaksin
The Pheu Thai Party celebrated a significant victory in the recent Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election in Udon Thani, attributing the success largely to the influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This triumph saw their candidate, Sarawut Pethpanomporn, secure a decisive win. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a member of Parliament for Pheu Thai, highlighted the combination of Sarawut’s political experience…
- Thailand News
Suvarnabhumi to compensate for runway impact on properties
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is set to compensate owners whose properties will be affected by the upcoming new runway at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, scheduled for completion early next year. This announcement comes as Bangkok City Council Chairman Surajit Phongsingwitthaya revealed that the exact number of homes and buildings eligible for compensation is still being determined. “The airport agency is currently…
- Phuket News
Phuket aims for carbon neutrality in Old Town by 2030
Phuket has embarked on an ambitious journey towards sustainable tourism with the introduction of the Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 initiative. This project aims to establish the historic old town as Thailand’s first carbon-neutral area by the year 2030. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, representing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officiated the launch of this initiative at the 72nd…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand prepares for heavy monsoon rains in 11 provinces
Thailand braces for severe weather conditions as monsoons are set to batter 11 provinces with heavy to very heavy rainfall, causing potential flash floods and forest run-off. The Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for people to exercise caution due to the changing weather conditions. TMD forecasts that in the next 24 hours, the high-pressure area or moderate cold air…
