- 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
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
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
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
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…
- 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.…
- 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
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
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…
- 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
Major meth dealer arrested in Pathum Thani with drugs and guns
Police and local administrative officers in Pathum Thani made a significant arrest involving a major meth dealer in the Khlong Luang area. Officials discovered a stash of drugs and firearms in an abandoned car, leading to the apprehension of two suspects. The operation was spearheaded by Amornritpol Khiaorungphet, the deputy district chief of Khlong Luang, and Nuttanan Nimmnuan, the deputy…
- 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…
- Chiang Mai News
Flood-mitigation plan unveiled for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
The Transport Ministry is preparing to unveil a detailed flood-mitigation strategy for Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai during a mobile Cabinet session scheduled for Friday in Chiang Mai. Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn revealed the plan yesterday, November 25, following last week’s meeting of a dedicated task force assembled to devise protective measures against future floods and landslides in these…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s automotive production lowest since pandemic
Thailand’s automotive sector faces a significant downturn in 2024, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) projecting annual vehicle production to hit 1.5 million units, marking the lowest output since 2021’s pandemic-affected figures. Speaking at a briefing today, November 25, FTI automotive industry group spokesperson Surapong Paisitpatnapong announced this second downward revision of the year. The federation had previously lowered…
- Thailand News
Motorcycle taxis causes traffic gridlock during Pattaya concert
A major hip-hop concert at Legend Siam created severe traffic chaos in Pattaya at the weekend, as hundreds of motorcycle taxis caused gridlock by parking illegally in the streets. The venue, located roughly 20 kilometres from central Pattaya, drew large crowds that overwhelmed the city’s already tourist-heavy traffic system on Saturday, November 23. The situation deteriorated when motorcycle taxi drivers…
- Thailand News
Thailand reviews N3 lottery’s impact on underground gambling
The Government of Thailand is reviewing the effectiveness of its three-digit lottery ticket, known as N3, to determine if it can counteract the prevalence of underground lotteries. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed that the Government Lottery Office (GLO) is currently conducting a trial of N3 tickets through a sandbox system, with two rounds already underway. However, the trial has…
