- Business News
Thailand invests 8 billion baht for AI and EV industry research
Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) earmarked an 8 billion baht investment to enhance the nation’s pool of young researchers, supporting key S-curve industries like artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and quantum technologies. The fiscal 2025 budget includes plans to prepare 100,000 employees for the semiconductor industry, leveraging opportunities arising from geopolitical conflicts. Chairman of the National Commission on Science,…
- Thailand News
Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…
- Thailand News
Fire at Chatuchak Market destroys 118 shops, kills 1,000 animals
A devastating fire broke out in the pet section of Chatuchak Market early this morning, destroying 118 shops and resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,000 animals. The fire, which started at around 4.30am, left employees scrambling for safety as thick smoke filled the area. Deputy Inspector of Bang Sue Police Station, Police Lieutenant Natthaphong Piyananwanich, received the fire report…
- Thailand News
Military officer’s “rank” behaviour caught on video, sparks probe
A senior military officer is under investigation after a video surfaced yesterday showing him threatening police officers and a woman, claiming, ‘Do you know who I am?’ and threatening to transfer the entire police station. The man in question, reportedly identified as a lieutenant general, reversed his vehicle towards a woman, almost causing an accident. He then engaged in a…
- Thailand News
Pattaya minibus driver escapes after fatal motorbike crash
A tragic accident occurred when a motorbike crashed into the rear of a minibus parked on the road, leading to the death of the rider’s father. The incident took place at 5.36am yesterday on Sukhumvit Road, heading towards Pattaya, in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. Police officer Aphiwan Sritongrungthip received the report and, along with volunteers, arrived at the scene to…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai statue restoration sparks debate over authenticity
The Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate. The controversy began when an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Surachai Jongjitngam criticised the restoration of a large…
- Thailand News
Man murders dating app lover after she finds out he’s married
A young man has been arrested after his dating app lover was found strangled to death in Prachuap Khiri Khan, shortly after learning he was already married. Police apprehended 22 year old Anuwat Pimmat at an eatery in Prachuap Khiri Khan, around 10pm yesterday. He faces charges of murder and concealing a body, following an arrest warrant issued by the…
- Thailand News
Move Forward Party eyes 3 new leaders amid possible dissolution
On the brink of potential dissolution by the Constitutional Court, the Move Forward Party (MFP) is preparing contingency plans, including identifying three potential leaders for a new party. This comes as the party defends itself against accusations of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy through its efforts to amend the lese majeste law. Party insiders reveal that the MFP’s core…
- Thailand News
Factory worker found dead in central Thailand
A tragic incident occurred at a technology centre in a factory in the Mueang District of Chachoengsao where an employee was found dead in his office after having sustained a gunshot wound. At approximately 7.30am yesterday, Deputy Inspector of the Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station, Thanchanok Rutjanthong received a report of a shooting death in the technology centre’s office. She promptly coordinated…
- Thailand News
Shock and stall: Lightning ‘strikes’ car, insurance refuses to spark coverage
A car driver expressed concerns about his recently purchased vehicle when it malfunctioned just over a month after acquisition. The motor failed to start and displayed unusual electrical issues. While the dealership attributed the problem to a lightning strike, the insurance provider refused to cover the damages. A 44 year old resident of Uthai Thani, Bandit, reported the incident today.…
- Phuket News
Search continues for American missing at Nai Harn Beach
Police in Phuket are intensifying their search for an American who went missing after being swept away by waves at Nai Harn Beach. Strong winds and high waves are hindering rescue efforts, with lifeguards raising red flags to warn against swimming. His wife, 49 year old Siriaamorn Petchraawut, hopes for a miracle. The 49 year old American father, James Everett…
- Thailand News
Used car dealer suspiciously found dead, foul play suspected
A prominent used car dealer was found dead with his right hand propping up his chin, sparking foul play suspicions from his wife. Two men, believed to be loan sharks, were seen leaving the scene before his death. Police Lieutenant Thanin Kanpai from Mueang Nakhon Phanom Police Station yesterday received a report of a suicide at a well-known car dealership…
- Thailand News
Chao Phraya River embankment collapse causes waves of concern
A section of Chao Phraya River embankment collapsed causing significant concern among locals and governmental officials in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district. The embankment collapsed at approximately 5.40pm yesterday, June 9, leaving concrete rubble and exposed rebar stretching 75 metres. This incident was reported to the subdistrict administrative organisation by Phra Khru Nontakun Phiphat, the abbot of Wat Choeng Lane, a temple…
- Business News
Thailand trades up: Digital efforts land 32nd spot on global index
Thailand climbed to the 32nd position out of 65 countries on the Global Trade Modernisation Index (GTMI) 2024, highlighting its moderate performance in digital trade. The Kingdom of Thailand ranked 3rd among ASEAN nations and showed a significant improvement in readiness for digital trade. Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Montri Mahaplerkpong announced yesterday, June 9, that growth…
- Thailand News
Nightclub raid near university leads to police reassignment
Police in Pathum Thani reassigned five officers from the Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station following a raid on an unlicensed nightclub near a prominent university highlighting the lack of action surrounding the issue called for a more thorough and transparent investigation. The crackdown occurred yesterday when central investigation police searched a nightclub in Rangsit at around 1.15am, officers found a…
- Thailand News
Thailand boosts food safety, bans harmful agrochemicals
Thailand’s food safety protocols are on the rise following successful efforts to ban harmful herbicides and pesticides such as paraquat and chlorpyrifos, alongside triumphant attempts to limit glyphosate use, as discussed at a recent seminar. A recent seminar titled A Decade for Driving to Food Safety highlighted that fewer individuals are now receiving treatment for symptoms related to the use…
- Thailand News
Thailand intensifies bird flu and anthrax monitoring
The Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Department of Livestock Development are gearing up to tackle potential outbreaks of bird flu and anthrax following reports of cases abroad. Four measures have been implemented to monitor these diseases in humans. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control under MOPH, stated that there have been three cases of…
- Thailand News
Company in Pak Chong under investigation for waste dumping
The Thai authorities have launched an investigation into a company in Pak Chong for waste dumping into the soil, resulting in a strong chemical odour, officials are urgently collecting groundwater samples for lab analysis. The incident came to light when images were shared, showing the private company in Klang Dong, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, seemingly dumping waste directly into…
- Thailand News
TMD issues weather warning for 39 provinces, rain in Bangkok
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for 39 provinces, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, predicting heavy rainfall in some areas. Bangkok is expected to experience rain in 30% of its area. The TMD forecasts the weather for the next 24 hours, noting that a monsoon trough is passing through the upper part of the…
- Thailand News
Police arrest foreigner for selling narcotic-laced e-cigarettes
Police arrested a foreign national for selling e-cigarettes laced with Category 1 and 2 narcotics, seizing the contraband and charging the individual. Today, officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, directed by Police Lieutenant General Kheereesak Tantinwachai, launched an anti-drug operation in Pattaya targeting new drug forms, with a heavy emphasis on the quickly emerging Pod-K electronic cigarettes. The operation led…
- Thailand News
Man stabs childhood friend after dispute over stolen cannabis
A young man fatally stabbed his childhood friend yesterday following a heated argument over stolen cannabis. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The incident took place yesterday, June 6, at 9pm, and was reported to the police in Nong Bua Lamphu, where rescue officials initially provided first aid before transporting the victim to a local hospital. Upon arrival…
- Business News
Thailand’s steel sales slump 11 to 12% due to weak car market
Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Iron and Steel Industry Club Vice-Chairman Nava Chantanasurakon stated that local steel manufacturers are bracing for a tough period, with expectations of…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen Zoo opens for wild mushroom harvesting, aids economy
Khon Kaen Zoo opened its Khao Suan Kwang area to villagers for wild mushroom harvesting, aiming to boost the local economy through sales to tourists and family consumption. The early arrival of the rainy season this year has led to a noticeable increase in rainfall across the Khao Suan Kwang mountain area, resulting in lush greenery and a significant growth…
- Thailand News
Motorcycle crash into parked truck kills two in Ang Thong
A tragic accident resulted in the death of a young couple when their motorcycle collided with the rear of a parked truck in Ang Thong. The truck had run out of fuel, and the driver had left to purchase more when the incident occurred. At 5.30pm yesterday, police from Ang Thong City Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident…
- Business News
Baht hits two-week high but faces long-term depreciation risks
The Thai baht surged to a two-week high yesterday, surpassing 36.5 to the dollar, marking a strong short-term gain. However, Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) has issued a cautionary note about the potential depreciation of the currency, attributing it to persistent structural issues in Thailand’s economy. Yesterday, the baht led gains among Asian currencies, appreciating by 0.3% to its highest…
- Thailand News
Thailand addresses labour shortage and illegal workers
Thailand’s National Committee on Migrant Workers Management approved three strategic guidelines to address the country’s labour shortage and tackle the issue of illegal workers. A proposal for these new guidelines is expected to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval soon. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced after a committee meeting this Wednesday, commenting that the ongoing political conflict in Myanmar…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims to amend laws to boost arms exports
The Thai Defence Ministry is moving to amend four key laws to facilitate arms exports, namely domestically produced weapons, aiming to bolster Thailand’s defence industry. During a recent meeting, Defence Ministry officials, including General Somsak Rungsita and Vice Defence Minister Jumnong Chaimongkol, discussed the necessary changes to national security legislation. High-ranking representatives from the Defence Industry Department, the Defence Technology…
- Thailand News
Bangkok governor probes overpriced gym equipment purchases
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged discovering unusual procurement patterns in gym equipment purchases for two sports centres managed by City Hall, with one treadmill costing as much as a car. Chadchart addressed public concerns yesterday regarding the procurement for the sports centres at Waree Phirom Park in Khlong Sam Wa district and Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rod Fai) in Chatuchak district.…
- Thailand News
Sole search: Ultramarathoner sets 1,000km run record in 12 days
Ultramarathoner Natalie Dau achieved a remarkable feat by completing a 1,000-kilometre solo run across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Despite enduring scorching heat, melted shoes, and a hip injury, Dau persevered, crossing the finish line at The Westin Singapore yesterday to an adoring home crowd of over 100 supporters. The 52 year old runner’s journey began in…
- Thailand News
Thailand faces China, looking to make first World Cup appearance
In a pivotal match for Thailand’s national football team, the stakes are high as they face China tonight in a bid to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive. Committee member of the Football Association of Thailand, Piyapong Pue-on expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a vital victory. Currently positioned third in Group C with four points from…