Ryan Turner
- Business News
Vietnam records highest GDP growth in two years despite typhoon
Vietnam achieved its highest economic growth in two years during the quarter ending in September, driven by robust exports, industrial production, and an increase in foreign investment. This positive development comes despite the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s strongest typhoon this year. The General Statistics Office reported a 7.4% year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP) for the third…
- Thailand News
Debate on lese majeste amnesty crucial, says former MFP leader
Granting amnesty to those convicted under Thailand’s lese majeste law has historical precedent and should not be a cause for political anxiety, according to a former leader of the now-disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP). Speaking on the anniversary of the October 6, 1976 massacre at Thammasat University, Chaithawat Tulathon highlighted that students and members of the public connected to the…
- Thailand News
Thailand gets into gear as US-China tensions boost its economy
As the United States and China continue their economic tug-of-war, Thailand has ultimately emerged as an unexpected beneficiary on the global stage. The Southeast Asian nation is poised to become a formidable player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, a development that could reshape the automotive landscape in the region and beyond. This revelation came to light during the 4th…
- Chiang Mai News
Flood rescue attempt claims elderly woman’s life in Chiang Mai
A rescue operation in Chiang Mai’s Nong Phueng sub-district ended in tragedy when a 71 year old woman, identified only as Nupin lost her life after a rescue boat capsized. The incident occurred as rescue teams attempted to evacuate three residents from a flooded house. During the evacuation, the rescue boat overturned in deep, turbulent waters, plunging all three passengers…
- Thailand News
Thai family prays for son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza
The Sriaoun family gathered in their local church in Kut Yang, Udon Thani yesterday, October 6, their voices filled with emotion as they prayed for the safe return of their oldest son, 32 year old Watchara, believed to still be held captive by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Watchara Sriaoun is among six Thais believed to be held in Gaza…
- Thailand News
Finance Ministry to open new welfare card registrations in March
The Ministry of Finance plans to open new registrations for the State Welfare Card early next year, around March. This follows the last registration period from September 5 to October 31 back in 2022, aiming to review the eligibility of participants every two years. Currently, the number of registered users has decreased from the previous 14.9 million to approximately 13.5…
- Thailand News
Finance ministry urges higher inflation target for policy rate flexibility
The Finance Ministry suggested adjusting the inflation target for next year to a range of 1.5 to 3.5%, up from the current 1 to 3%, to grant the Bank of Thailand (BoT) more flexibility in lowering the policy rate. A ministry source, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that this change would enable the central bank to reduce the policy…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s renewable energy plan boosts battery storage systems
Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely known for their battery power but batteries are also crucial for buildings, factories, and power plants using renewable energy. They provide lighting, support daily operations, and serve as backup electricity sources. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for buildings and renewable power generation facilities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Renewable sources like solar and…
- Thailand News
Thai police officer pockets 30,000 baht from a mediation case
Police General Kittirat Panpetch, acting commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered an investigation into a precinct officer accused of embezzling funds from a mediation case. A 34 year old woman reported to the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page that the officer from Samrong Tai Police Station pocketed 30,000 baht. The funds were part of a debt settlement where…
- Thailand News
Large sinkhole forces closure of Bangkok bridge road
A large sinkhole has appeared at the Kesakamol Bridge in Bangkok, measuring 10 metres wide, 5 metres long, and 3 metres deep, prompting an urgent closure of the road. Yesterday, October 6 at around 9.30pm, the road at the Kesakamol Bridge intersection on Nakhon Chaisi Road in Dusit district, Bangkok, collapsed. The incident forced officials to immediately close the area…
- Thailand News
Thailand tightens import rules to block substandard goods
The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has been directed by the Industry Ministry to collaborate with the Customs Department to enhance the screening of imported goods. The move aims to curb the influx of substandard products into Thailand through tightening import rules. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan announced measures to block low-quality imports, stressing the importance of protecting Thai industries. The…
- Business News
Thai Airways’ growth strategy takes off
Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to transform some of its business units into subsidiaries as part of its growth strategy. Chai Eamsiri, THAI President, announced the plan, emphasising the potential for various business units to operate independently. Chai highlighted the initial focus on the aircraft maintenance and catering divisions, which boast an estimated average profit margin of nearly 20%…
- Thailand News
Paetongtarn defends iPad use at Qatar summit amid criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed criticisms after a photograph of her reading from an iPad at her first international summit in Qatar circulated on social media. The image, taken last week, raised questions about the 38 year old’s leadership abilities. Responding on Instagram, Paetongtarn addressed a netizen who posted the photos and described them as embarrassing for Thailand. The netizen…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rainfall expected tomorrow in 27 provinces, warnings issued
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasted heavy rainfall leading into tomorrow, October 8, affecting 27 provinces, particularly in the southern region, with warnings of potential flooding and flash floods. The northeastern region will experience cool mornings. The TMD issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, highlighting an area of moderate high pressure or cool air mass from…
- Guides
Can you ask for more food in any Thai airlines if you are not full?
If you have ever been on a flight, chances are that their in-flight meals aren’t the most appetising thing that you ever come across, nor will the portion sizes leave you feeling full afterwards. But the burning question is can you ask for more food while on a flight on a Thai airline? In most cases, you definitely can! A…
- Food
The jewel of budget street food: 20 baht noodles in Kanchanaburi
We are sure that you are well aware of the street food scene in Thailand, where dishes from all walks of life can be found on every corner. No matter if you’re in Bangkok or any other city in the Kingdom of Thailand, street food vendors are always around to offer delicious and affordable meals. There is no separating flavoursome…
- Thailand News
Robbery at LPG station rakes in grand total of 900 baht
A brazen robbery occurred at an LPG gas station on Tiwanon Road in Nonthaburi, where two young men on a motorbike snatched almost all the money from a donation tree before fleeing the scene. Security cameras captured the entire incident. Yesterday, September 29, an employee at the gas station, 32 year old Sasithorn Meepim reported the theft. The crime took…
- Thailand News
Grave attraction: Tourists dying to visit Chon Buri’s cemetery-turned-cafe
Tourists from all over flocked to Wat Nong Khayad’s unique cemetery garden in Chon Buri, which has been transformed into a relaxing cafe and community space offering free food and drinks, thanks to the efforts of the abbot and local philanthropists. The cemetery garden at Wat Nong Khayad in Phanat Nikhom, Chon Buri, has become a bustling attraction. Tourists have…
- Thailand News
Tipco in a jam: Canned pineapple production goes pear-shaped
In a move that’s left pineapple fans in a bit of a jam, Tipco Foods announced it’s putting the brakes on its canned pineapple production and sales. Thanks to wildly fluctuating pineapple supply and prices, the company has decided to shelve its tinned treats, despite this impacting up to 22% of Tipco’s total food business sales. But don’t go bananas…
- Thailand News
Earth to witness rare two moons phenomenon for 57 days
Scientists are buzzing with excitement as Earth is set to experience the rare phenomenon of having two moons in the night sky. The asteroid 2024 PT5, discovered on August 7, will orbit close to Earth from tomorrow, October 1, until late November, creating a temporary second moon for 57 days. This extraordinary event has been confirmed by international reports and…
- Thailand News
Finance ministry sees record revenue of 14.4 billion baht
The Ministry of Finance announced that the Treasury Department has achieved record-breaking revenue collection for the fiscal year 2024, amounting to 14.4 billion baht. This represents a 57.9% increase from the previous year and exceeds projections by 25.4%, marking the highest revenue since the department’s establishment on September 30, 1924. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul attributed this remarkable…
- Thailand News
Phuket feasts: Peranakan flavours go global at culinary festival
Phuket hosted the Phuket Peranakan Menu to the World festival yesterday, featuring more than 50 booths serving traditional Peranakan dishes. This event, part of the World of Peranakan Food Art Exhibition & Festival 2024, aims to bolster local tourism and achieve recognition in the Guinness World Records. An official report highlighted the festival’s role in boosting the local economy by…
- Tourism News
Thai Airways partners with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations
Thai Airways International (THAI) anticipates a boost in revenue following the enhancement of its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air. THAI announced the expansion of its partnership with Gulf Air yesterday, September 29, to include new destinations: Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, and Manchester. This agreement took effect immediately. Previously, the collaboration between the two airlines was limited to routes…
- Thailand News
Man spends 10,000 baht on gifts for crush, ends up in knife fight
A man, desperate for a girlfriend, withdrew 10,000 baht to shower gifts on a woman, only to end up in a knife fight with her brother, leaving both injured. He lamented his desire for love at 39 years old and felt deceived. Police officers from Phan Thong Police Station were alerted to a violent altercation involving knives, resulting in two…
- Thailand News
Former Chula chairman jailed for embezzling 1.4 billion baht
Bancha Chalapirom, former chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Savings Cooperative (CU Savings Coop), has been sentenced to five years in prison for embezzling over 1.4 billion baht from the cooperative. The Criminal Court delivered the verdict yesterday, September 29, finding Bancha guilty under Sections 353 and 254 of the Criminal Code. Following the sentencing, Bancha requested bail to appeal the…
- Bangkok News
EC dismisses complaints for party dissolution, insufficient evidence
The Election Commission (EC) has dismissed two of over ten complaints calling for the dissolution of certain political parties and the removal of the prime minister and some Cabinet members due to insufficient information. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC Secretary-General, stated that the office received more than ten complaints since the new government was established but two have been rejected. He…
- Thailand News
Waxing poetic: Ubon Ratchathani candle workshop goes up in smoke
A fire engulfed a renowned candle-carving workshop at Wat Jaeng in Ubon Ratchathani, causing over 2 million baht in damages. The blaze started when sparks from a metal grinder ignited foam, rapidly spreading through the building. The fire broke out at 3.40pm yesterday, September 29, at the candle-carving workshop of Wat Jaeng, located on Sappasit Road in Ubon Ratchathani city.…
- Thailand News
Mother arrested after attacking daughter with knife in Pathum Thani
A 35 year old mother in Pathum Thani was arrested after locking her two children, a seven year old boy and an 11 year old girl, in their room and attacking the girl with a knife, causing a severe injury to her left ankle. Police received a call around 7pm yesterday, September 29, about a mother assaulting her children in…
- Pattaya News
Jellyfish invasion in Pattaya: Beachgoers left feeling stung
Jellyfish have recently swarmed Jomtien and Dongtan beaches in Pattaya, causing concerns among beachgoers. A large number of jellyfish were seen floating in the sea, particularly at these two popular beaches. This occurrence is common during the late rainy season and early winter or stormy weather. The jellyfish have been present for about three to four days. Wallop Boonchu, a…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai governor faces probe for absences during flood crisis
Thailand’s Interior Ministry has initiated a disciplinary investigation against the outgoing Chiang Rai governor, Puttipong Sirimart, after his repeated absences during critical flood-relief operations in the province. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the probe yesterday, September 29, just one day before Puttipong’s scheduled retirement. Anutin, who had previously ordered an investigation into Puttipong’s absences in late…