- Thailand News
Thailand seeks Japanese investment in high-tech sectors
Thailand’s Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Japanese business leaders on November 1 to encourage increased investment in advanced technology sectors, aiming to restore Japan’s position as Thailand’s primary foreign investor. In his first meeting since taking office, Pichai held discussions with Keita Ishii, president of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), alongside executives from major Japanese firms…
- 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…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn leads Suan Dusit’s political-index survey
A recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emerging as the most popular coalition politician. The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25…
- 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
Severe flooding in Samut Prakan as seawater rises unexpectedly
Rising seawater has inundated several areas in Samut Prakan, causing severe flooding on numerous roads, with some areas submerged nearly a metre deep and extending over 3 kilometres. Residents were caught off guard, scrambling to move their belongings to safety as the tides rose unexpectedly fast. Floodwaters swept across Samut Prakan, particularly affecting the Phra Samut Chedi district. Roads such…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Trunk trouble: Rampaging elephants stampede through Thai village
A herd of rampaging elephants caused devastation in the village of Ang Suea Dam, Thata Thakiap subdistrict, Chachoengsao province, much to the dismay of locals. Around 30 wild elephants destroyed nearly 1,000 rubber trees that villagers had nurtured for nearly a decade. The community, led by village head Sombun Saeko, expressed their frustration and appealed to the government for assistance…
- 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…
- Thailand News
MPs probe Thaksin’s alleged special treatment during detention
A House committee announced plans to convene tomorrow, November 5, to investigate allegations of preferential treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his incarceration at the Police General Hospital. The inquiry is a part of a broader discussion on reforming the justice system, with Thaksin’s case drawing significant attention. Leading the charge is the committee on state security,…
- Bangkok News
Thailand Consumer Council to challenge Bangkok city plan flaws
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) plans to challenge the Bangkok city plan by submitting a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), citing significant failings in the public hearing processes that they argue infringe on citizens’ rights. This action, set for tomorrow, November 5, reflects growing concerns over the lack of public engagement and awareness regarding the city’s planning…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks more jobs for workers in Singapore shipyards
The Labour Ministry is actively pursuing opportunities to send more of Thailand’s workers to Singapore, particularly targeting the shipyard sector. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, visited Singapore over the weekend. They engaged with officials from the Labour Office in Singapore, local businessmen, and Ureerat Chareontoh, the ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, to discuss expanding…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain and flash flood warnings for southern Thailand
Heavy rain is set to lash the southern regions of Thailand, prompting the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) to issue warnings of flash floods and overflowing mountain streams in ten provinces. Meanwhile, the northern areas will experience a drop in temperatures. The TMD forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours, highlighting that a high-pressure system from China is extending over…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s industrial sector hit by mass layoffs amid economic woes
Mass layoffs have swept through Thailand’s industrial sector, with approximately 2,600 factory workers losing their jobs over the past two days. Financial difficulties have compelled employers to downsize their operations, leading to significant disruptions in the workforce. An electric vehicle manufacturer in Chachoengsao announced that 600 workers will be laid off, effective December 1. This decision, communicated in a letter…
- Thailand News
Thailand plans retirement lottery for over 60s, launching 2025
Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister announced plans to present the retirement lottery scheme to the Cabinet for approval next month, aiming to begin sales in the first quarter of 2025. The scheme proposes extending the eligible age for purchasing lottery tickets to over 60 years. Paophum Rojanasakul addressing the progress of the retirement savings lottery, stated that the proposal is expected to…
- Thailand News
Samut Prakan resident critically injured in Halloween shooting
A dramatic incident unfolded on Halloween night in Samut Prakan, where a man was left critically injured after being shot twice. The young man managed to flee on his motorbike for over 10 kilometres, seeking help from locals. Emergency responders from Samut Prakan Hospital rushed to provide first aid to 29 year old Komkrit after the shooting. He sustained gunshot…
- Thailand News
Police officer in drunk driving crash escapes legal action
A troubling police corruption case has emerged involving an officer allegedly driving while drunk, resulting in a collision with a parked car, yet faced no legal repercussions. The incident, which took place four months ago, raised concerns over potential bias and inadequate investigation. The incident occurred previously on June 20, when a red Mazda parked on the roadside within the…
- Thailand News
Heavy rain alert for 33 provinces in Thailand as temperatures drop
Weather warnings have been issued for 33 provinces in Thailand, forecasting heavy rain covering 30% of areas due to a new wave of cold air bringing strong winds and a significant temperature drop expected tomorrow, November 2. From November 2 to 5, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) indicates moderate to relatively strong high-pressure system from China is expected to…
- Thailand News
‘Fries’ for change: Waste Not, Want Not turns grease into green efforts
Surat Thani Municipality launched a notable initiative titled Waste Not, Want Not, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling used cooking oil. The project, in collaboration with the New Biodiesel Company, encourages residents to exchange used cooking oil for fresh Rin Tip brand oil. The agreement was signed yesterday, October 30, at Surat Thani Municipality’s conference room by Prachert…
- Thailand News
Teenagers’ trouble brews: Duo ‘crashes’ party, sparks punch-up
Two teenagers forcibly entered a home where four men were drinking and instigated a confrontation, resulting in a physical altercation. The incident, which took place yesterday, October 30, at 10.30pm, led to the police from Non Sung Police Station in Udon Thani being summoned to a village in the Non Sung sub-district. Upon arrival, the police found the two teenagers,…
- Thailand News
Thailand opens new border crossing with Cambodia to boost trade
The Thai government announced the opening of a new permanent border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia, alongside extending the operating hours of an existing checkpoint. These measures aim to bolster trade and tourism relations between the two nations. The Royal Gazette published two announcements from the Ministry of Interior, which were signed by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, and Anutin Charnvirakul,…
- Thailand News
AOT profits soar sky-high, eight-month bonus approved for staff
Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has seen a significant profit surge, prompting the board to approve an eight-month bonus for employees, an increase from last year. This decision comes as a result of the government’s free visa policy, which has significantly boosted tourism. AOT, which manages six airports across the country, experienced a notable increase in air traffic…
- Thailand News
Thailand sows seeds of change at World Food Security meeting
Thailand’s commitment to advancing global food security took centre stage as officials participated in the 52nd Committee on World Food Security meeting in Rome, highlighting efforts to enhance agricultural policy and women’s roles. Discussions focused on food security and nutrition, aiming to address global hunger challenges. The meeting, held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters, saw participation from…
- Thailand News
Thailand targets 3.5% GDP growth amid economic challenges
The Finance Ministry of Thailand has ambitiously set the stage for GDP growth by targeting a 3.5% annual increase. This announcement was made at the CEO Econmass Awards 2024, where Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira delivered a keynote address. The minister expressed optimism that next year’s growth rate could reach 3%, marking a 10% increase from this year’s forecasted 2.7%. “This…
