- Thailand News
Tourist police arrest man for stealing iPhone on Koh Larn ferry
A man from Ayutthaya was arrested by the Pattaya Tourist Police yesterday for allegedly stealing a tourist’s iPhone on a ferry to Koh Larn. Identified as 52 year old Somchai Buengnok, the suspect has an extensive criminal record. At approximately 10.30am, yesterday, September 8, Senior Inspector of Tourist Police Division 4, Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensan, received a report from…
- Thailand News
Thailand backs 20-baht cap on mass transit fares
Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) backs the Transport Ministry‘s initiative to cap mass transit electric train fares at 20 baht per trip, according to Secretary-General Saree Ongsomwang, who also advocates for a fair budget allocation for public bus services across all provinces. Saree stated that the 20-baht fare cap was one of Pheu Thai’s campaign promises ahead of last year’s election.…
- Thailand News
Nationwide daily minimum wage to be raised to 400 baht tomorrow
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed plans to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide starting tomorrow, September 10, despite echoing concerns that the increase could negatively impact businesses. Phiphat announced that after discussions with business operators and a thorough study by a subcommittee from the Ministry of Labour, the decision to implement the minimum wage hike will proceed…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain and potential flash floods to hit 31 Thai provinces
Heavy rain is expected to hit 31 provinces across Thailand today, September 9, with 70% of the areas likely to experience severe weather conditions. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued warnings for potential flash floods and overflowing rivers, urging residents to exercise caution. The TMD forecasted weather for the next 24 hours, predicting heavy rainfall in the northern region…
- Guides
How to buy a motorcycle in Thailand as an expat?
Riding motorcycles is just about the easiest way to get around. If you rented one before, you probably thought about buying a motorcycle in Thailand too, and you are not alone in this thought. Motorcycles are a popular choice for locals and expats alike, offering an affordable way to navigate busy streets or zip around narrow alleyways. With over 20…
- Thailand News
Four routes under consideration for Koh Chang Bridge
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has initiated a series of public hearings regarding the proposed bridge connecting the mainland to Koh Chang Island, a popular destination in Trat province. The first hearing, held today, September 2, in Mueang district, garnered widespread support from locals and business owners. Participants expressed a strong preference for the bridge to guide travellers through…
- Thailand News
Crackdown on financial crimes suspends 34,000 bank accounts
The Thai Bankers Association (TBA) announced a significant crackdown on financial crimes, blacklisting 15,000 individuals and suspending 34,000 bank accounts linked to call centre scams. TBA Chairman Payong Srivanich revealed today, September 2, that the association’s new AI-driven system, the Cross-Reference File (CRF), uncovered over 15,000 people involved in money laundering schemes. This system, which has been analysing data from…
- Thailand News
Transport Minister reiterates commitment to Land Bridge Project
The Pheu Thai-led government remains dedicated to advancing the land bridge project, aiming to enhance benefits for the nation and foster sustainable economic growth, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit. In an update on the initiative, which will connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, Suriya explained that the Office of Transport and…
- Thailand News
Game on: Thailand to level up with new Game Industry Act
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry is set to draft the Game Industry Act, aiming to address the rapid growth of the video game sector, valued at 40 billion baht annually. The initiative also seeks to position Thailand as a key player in the regional gaming market, according to the ministry. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and Chief Executive of the Digital…
- Thailand News
TAT targets 12.2 million foreign visitors in late 2024
Thailand anticipates a surge in foreign arrivals, targeting 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This influx is projected to elevate the annual total to nearly 36 million, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the market’s growth is expected to benefit from…
- Thailand News
Teen motorcyclist dies in head-on crash on his birthday
A 19 year old motorcyclist tragically lost his life on his birthday after colliding with a pickup truck while riding against traffic in heavy rain. The accident occurred yesterday, September 1, revealing a poignant coincidence with the motorbike’s registration plate matching his birth date. The incident took place at 11.50pm the previous night on Highway 3056, in front of Wat…
- Thailand News
Police crack down on illegal residents, gambling in Samut Prakan
Immigration officers in Samut Prakan recently conducted a sweeping crackdown on illegal foreign residents and unlawful gambling activities. The operation, which took place yesterday, September 1, was led by high-ranking officials including Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai. Police targeted the area in Samrong Nua subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan district. The directive for this crackdown came from Police Major General Natthakorn…
- Thailand News
Thai man arrested for launching Internet cables across border
A joint task force in Tak apprehended a resourceful individual who was using a water rocket launcher to extend Internet cables across the border into Myanmar for Chinese clients. The suspect admitted that was hired by Thai individuals from across the border. Yesterday, September 1, a joint task force comprising the 431st Infantry Company, local administrative officers from Mae Sot…
- Thailand News
Stepfather arrested in Nonthaburi for alleged year-long child abuse
Thai police apprehended a stepfather for sexually abusing his eight year old stepdaughter for nearly a year. The suspect, 36 year old Wichan, denies the allegations and challenges the evidence. Police remain sceptical of his claims. A joint operation of the Metropolitan Police and criminal investigation trainees led to the arrest at a residence in Bang Si Mueang, Nonthaburi, following…
- Business News
Rising tourism in Thailand to boost sluggish motorcycle market
Increased tourism activity later this year is anticipated to boost Thailand’s domestic motorcycle market, which has experienced sluggish sales in the first seven months of 2024, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice-Chairman of the FTI and spokesperson for its Automotive Industry Club, stated that the number of foreign tourist arrivals is on the rise and…
- Bangkok News
Free rides on Bangkok’s upgraded BRT system for two months
Passengers can now enjoy free rides on Bangkok’s newly upgraded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for the next two months, according to a transport official from the operating company. This new service, which started yesterday, September 1, features electric buses that have replaced the old ones running on natural gas for vehicles (NGV) after more than 14 years of use.…
- Thailand News
Thai team wins UN award for Covid-19 detection via wastewater
A research team from Chulalongkorn University clinched a United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA) for Innovation in Public Institutions. This UN award was given for their work titled Academic Insight into Action for Pandemic Response during a recent ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. This award-winning study addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals on health and well-being as well as clean…
- Thailand News
Labour minister to investigate measures to save social security fund
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn vowed to investigate measures to avert a potential collapse of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within the next decade due to funding shortfalls. The SSF, currently holding 2.6 trillion baht, is projected to grow to at least 4 trillion baht by 2034, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Despite…
- Thailand News
Residents protest 200-billion-baht dam project in Phrae
Approximately 150 residents from Tambon Sa-Ieab in Phrae‘s Song district gathered yesterday, September 1 to protest against the proposed Kaeng Sue Ten dam project, arguing it would impact thousands of households and devastate over 10,000 rai of prime forest. The protesters, who assembled at Wat Sri Don Chai, voiced their disapproval of politicians advocating for the dam‘s revival following recent…
- Thailand News
Man severely injured by landmine while foraging bamboo shoots
A man searching for bamboo shoots suffered severe injuries after stepping on a landmine in Lopburi. He managed to call his son before losing consciousness, revealing broken bones and severe wounds. Rescue units were alerted at 11.05am yesterday, September 1, about a man who had stepped on a landmine at the foot of a mountain in Khao Sam Yot subdistrict,…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police slaps bar worker for ruckus at Walking Street
A Pattaya city official reportedly slapped a Thai bar worker during a confrontation, sparking outrage after a video of the incident went viral on Thai social media. The footage shows the official, a municipality worker, appearing to slap the bar worker in the face and attempting to force her into a city pickup truck to take her to the police…
- Thailand News
Abhisit predicts Paetongtarn’s govt term to last, despite challenges
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is expected to complete the rest of its three-year term, as no coalition parties seem prepared for an early General Election, according to former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who also noted that these parties are still striving to demonstrate to their voters that they merit re-election. However, he pointed out that the coalition’s weak point…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for severe monsoon rains and potential flash floods
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, September 2, predicting severe monsoon rains across 51 provinces, with 80% of Bangkok set to experience heavy rainfall. Citizens are advised to brace for potential flash floods. The TMD forecasts that a monsoon trough will traverse the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, extending to a low-pressure area in…
- Thailand News
Abandoned 2.5 billion baht wastewater site becomes drug hub
A wastewater treatment facility worth over 2.5 billion baht has been found abandoned, becoming a breeding ground for blackchin tilapia and a hotspot for drug activity. Located in Tha Phaya, Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, the facility is part of a larger project aimed at managing saline water for shrimp farming. The Tha Phaya site consists of four buildings,…
- Thailand News
Thai Air Force mobilises to aid northern regions in flood relief efforts
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) mobilised aircraft to survey flood-hit regions, relaying vital data to support water drainage routes and delivering aid in a comprehensive flood relief programme. Yesterday, August 25, RTAF Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Patanakun announced efforts to assist those affected by the severe flooding in northern Thailand. The RTAF is deploying all available resources and coordinating with…
- Thailand News
FDA advises healthier instant noodle options
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidelines on how to choose and consume instant noodles to avoid chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Consumers are advised to look for products with the ‘Healthier Choice’ symbol and ensure a balanced diet by adding various nutrients. Instant noodles have been a staple in Thai diets for many years due to their affordability,…
- Thailand News
Thai cyber police bust online luxury accommodation scam
Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers apprehended a prominent company for an online luxury accommodation auction scam. The scheme deceived numerous victims and resulted in damages totalling over 3 million baht. Yesterday, August 25, CCIB officers interrogated 46 year old Busnavee, owner of a company that purportedly offered cheap accommodation but failed to provide the promised services. This inquiry…
- Crime News
Bangkok nightclub raided for illegal operation and late alcohol sales
Bangkok police raided a nightclub in Thonglor for operating without permission and selling alcohol past legal hours, with patrons still drinking and enjoying live music. At 2.06am yesterday, August 25, Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, along with Major General Witawat Chinnakam and other officers, directed a raid on the Milley nightclub located on Thonglor 15, Sukhumvit 55, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana…
- Phuket News
Son of former Phuket leader arrested in major drug trafficking bust
Police in Phuket arrested the son of a former local leader for his involvement in a major drug trafficking network. The raid uncovered a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition. Colonel Somsak Thongkliang of Kamala Police Station reported the arrest of Jesdaporn to Major General Sinlert Sukhun, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police. This operation followed an extensive investigation…
- Thailand News
Old Thai coins could be worth millions, collectors urged to check
Collectors of old Thai coins should urgently check their collections as certain coins, including 1 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht coins from specific years, could be worth a significant amount of money, sometimes even reaching millions of baht. Detailed information about the specific years and characteristics of these valuable coins is essential as some are incredibly rare, with only…
