Bob Scott
- Thailand News
CPF no show slammed as blackchin tilapia talk goes fishy
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) faced criticism from a House committee for failing to attend a meeting to address questions regarding the importation of blackchin tilapia for research purposes back in 2010. The Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, who also serves as the deputy chairman of the subcommittee investigating the spread of the invasive species, stated that CPF…
- Thailand News
Strategist shares HIV journey from Thailand at AIDS 2024
A 39 year old strategist working with Hiv-Sverige/HIV-Sweden, a national organisation dedicated to the welfare of people living with HIV, revealed he contracted the virus in Thailand in 2012. Emanuel Karlstrom expressed gratitude to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic for providing him with HIV medication and essential guidance on maintaining a healthy life while living with the virus.…
- Thailand News
High hopes: Anutin’s green light for cannabis bill in Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence yesterday that the cannabis control bill will be enacted within the tenure of the current coalition government. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has pushed for a complete ban on recreational cannabis use. The Bhumjaithai Party submitted an initial version of the bill to the House last September. The Ministry of…
- Thailand News
Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors
New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China. Visitors from these countries will receive a 60-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another 30 days…
- Business News
Thailand’s SME D Bank offers interest-free loans to entrepreneurs
Thailand’s Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME D Bank) has partnered with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) to offer interest-free loans for up to three years to entrepreneurs developing innovative products and services. Phichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of SME D Bank, announced this initiative following the signing of a cooperation agreement with the NIA yesterday. The agreement aims to…
- Business News
Thailand car production hits brakes amid finance woes
Thailand’s car production has skidded to a 20.11% drop in June compared to last year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decline accelerates from May’s 16.19% downturn, driven by stricter financing rules and soaring consumer debt levels. In the first half of this year, car production tumbled by 17.39%, totalling 761,240 units. The FTI attributes this slump…
- Tourism News
Indonesia launches golden visa with 10-year residency for investors
Indonesia has introduced a long-term visa scheme aimed at attracting rich, “good-quality” foreign investors, President Joko Widodo announced. The new Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency permit to those rich enough to invest up to US$10 million in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The scheme includes a five-year visa option, requiring an individual to set up a company worth US$2.5 million,…
- Phuket News
Phuket leads in dengue crisis: Kids worst hit in southern Thailand
Phuket has emerged as the hotspot for dengue fever in upper southern Thailand, with the highest infection rates among seven provinces, according to the Department of Disease Control’s regional office. Dr Darinda Rosa, acting Director of Health Region 11’s Disease Control Office, highlighted a significant surge in dengue cases from January 1 to yesterday, totalling 5,853. Children aged 10-14 are…
- Thailand News
Politics in play: Golf outing sparks denials of secret deals by Thai parties
Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party have refuted claims of any secret agreements after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul were seen playing golf together at a resort in Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend. Anutin, who holds the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, clarified that Thaksin and his family stayed at…
- Pattaya News
Vespa desperado: Owner on a ‘scoot’ to find stolen bike in Pattaya
A Vespa motorbike owner in Pattaya is urgently seeking public assistance after her stolen vehicle was spotted near Pattaya Beach yesterday. The owner, a 34 year old woman named A, said she reported that her motorbike was taken from a parking lot on Soi 18 in the Naklua area on Saturday, July 20. CCTV footage reveals that the suspect is…
- Economy News
Thailand’s national holidays set to generate 18.3 billion baht
National holidays in Thailand this month are expected to boost tourism revenue significantly, with projections indicating 18.3 billion baht from five million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The momentum in domestic tourism showed strong performance during the recent Buddhist holidays, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent), and is anticipated to continue through…
- Cannabis News
Weed way to go! Thailand flip-flops on cannabis laws again
In yet another exercise of political flip-flopping in Thailand’s cannabis saga, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to legislate marijuana for medical use. This unexpected move marks a significant U-turn from recent proposals to re-criminalise the plant, leaving many questioning whether the government knows whether it’s coming or going. Thailand made headlines as one of the first Asian countries…
- Thailand News
Tilapia surprise: Sun-soaked eggs hatch, calls for fishy rethink
Eggs of the blackchin tilapia, left in the sun for two months, have surprisingly hatched, according to a local farmer in Samut Songkhram. The farmer urges the Department of Fisheries to reconsider the effectiveness of using seabass to control the invasive species. The spread of the blackchin tilapia across 17 provinces in Thailand prompted the Department of Fisheries to deploy…
- Thailand News
Royal roots: Bangkok blooms in anticipation for king-inspired park
Bangkok eagerly anticipates the completion of a new public park, dedicated to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, which promises to become a significant new landmark in the city. Situated on 279 rai in the Dusit district, the park will be designed as a forest park with thousands of new trees, adding a much-needed green space…
- Phuket News
Motorbike rider dies in car collision on Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket
A motorbike rider died following a collision with a car on Thepkrasattri Road in Koh Kaew, Phuket, on Sunday night. A Phuket City Police Station spokesperson confirmed the death yesterday, July 22, after the rider succumbed to his injuries at Mission Hospital Phuket. The rider, Khajon Patiphatpitak, was pronounced dead at the hospital, having been involved in the accident around…
- Thailand News
Actress Sammy Cowell loses 1.2 million baht in handbag scam
Renowned actor Sammy Cowell fell victim to a scam, losing over 1.2 million baht after posting an advertisement to sell a luxury handbag. She shared details of the deception before realising and reporting the incident to the police. Sammy, whose real name is Panthita Phoowijarn Cowell, reported the scam at the Khok Kram Police Station. The incident occurred after the…
- Thailand News
Thai singer Cherreen files police report against ex-husband
Singer Cherreen “The Star” Nutjaree, alongside her lawyer, plans to file a police report today against her ex-husband for physical assault and ongoing harassment. Today, July 23, Cherreen and lawyer Kaew Monchai are set to visit Thonglor Police Station at 10am. Cherreen, whose full name is Nutjaree Horvejkul, has been facing threats and harassment from her ex-husband following their separation.…
- Thailand News
Mysterious footprints in Rayong spark ghostly speculation
Mysterious ghostly footprints believed to belong to a dead neighbour have caused a stir in Rayong, with residents convinced he returned to say goodbye. Despite attempts to clean them, the footprints remain, adding to the eerie mystery. At 6pm yesterday, July 22, in Rayong, reporters investigated an unusual belief among locals that mysterious footprints found in the area belonged to…
- Business News
Shocking slump: Thailand’s premium EV sales plunge 35%
Thailand has experienced a significant decline in the sales of premium electric vehicles (EVs), dropping 35% year-on-year in the first half of the year. Despite this downturn, BMW remains optimistic about its EV sales, banking on the appeal of its newly launched models in the Mini family in Bangkok. Sales of premium EVs fell to 3,844 units between January and…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong sergeant dies falling from truck in South Pattaya
A Hong Kong police sergeant tragically died after falling from a songthaew open-air truck in South Pattaya, Chon Buri, yesterday morning. Surveillance footage showed the man tumbling from the back of the taxi van onto the road at 8:36am, July 22. The 48 year old man from Hong Kong suffered severe injuries and was quickly taken to a nearby hospital,…
- Business News
Ana maintains pre-pandemic load on Thailand-Japan flights
Japanese carrier ANA has successfully maintained the load factor on Thailand-Japan routes at the same robust level as in 2019, despite the challenges posed by a weak yen. Notably, the majority of its passengers are now Thai tourists and long-haul travellers transiting through Japan. Thailand has emerged as one of ANA’s strongest routes in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia post-pandemic, alongside…
- Thailand News
Tak Bai tragedy court case to be decided next month
A lawsuit against nine former top officials implicated in the Tak Bai tragedy is set for consideration by the Narathiwat Provincial Court next month. The lawsuit, filed on April 26 by a group of 48 plaintiffs, seeks justice for the victims and their families who have seen no action taken by police or prosecutors beyond financial compensation. The plaintiffs, consisting…
- Thailand News
Thai proposal to legalise adult entertainment industry sparks debate
The Move Forward Party (MFP) is advocating for a significant change to Thailand’s Criminal Code to legalise the adult entertainment industry, including pornographic materials and sex toys. This initiative aims to dismantle the existing taboos and establish better regulation. MFP MP for Bangkok, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, submitted the proposal to Parliament last week, with discussions expected to commence within the next…
- Thailand News
Srettha Thavisin tops poll as Thailand’s favourite politician
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has emerged as the country’s favourite politician, surpassing Move Forward Party (MFP) adviser Pita Limjaroenrat, according to a recent survey. The survey, conducted by LINE TODAY from July 1 to July 20, saw participation from about 21,000 individuals who were asked to choose their preferred politician. The results, released yesterday, revealed that the Thai premier received…
- Thailand News
Berry misleading: Thailand picks apart fake Finland job offers
Thailand is actively pursuing local agents who deceived Thai citizens into believing they had secured berry picker jobs in Finland. This action follows the interception of 43 individuals at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday, July 20, just before they were set to board a flight to the Nordic country. The Department of Employment initiated the investigation after receiving a tip-off about…
- Thailand News
TikTok trend: ‘Jackpot’ with dead jackfruit trees worth millions
A TikTok user shared a video revealing the surprising value of dead jackfruit trees, also known as jackfruit standing dead. The clip quickly gained attention when she mentioned that such trees could sell for millions of baht. The woman, under the account, kate_tell_story, explained that she had come across content on TikTok suggesting that dead jackfruit trees could fetch prices…
- Thailand News
Earl Grey excess brews trouble: Tea-rrible symptoms warned
Experts have warned against the excessive consumption of Earl Grey tea, as it may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and muscle spasms. This popular beverage is enjoyed by people of all ages for its fragrant aroma and delightful taste, often consumed with afternoon snacks or as a morning refreshment. Among the various types of tea available, Earl…
- Pattaya News
Rail ale rally: Bangkok victims group derails alcohol repeal bid
Over 50 members of the Bangkok Drunk Driving Victims Network, led by President Jessada Yamsabai, submitted a petition opposing the repeal of the ban on alcohol sales and consumption on trains and at train stations to the acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Jarae Rungthanee. This petition, submitted yesterday, July 11, follows a tragic 2014 incident where a…
- Thailand News
Thai student races ahead: Wins design comp for Red Bull F1 car
A Thai student has gained international recognition by winning a design competition for the Red Bull Racing Formula One car to be used in the British Grand Prix. The Public Relations Department Region 3 in Chiang Mai posted on Facebook celebrating the achievement of Chonlath Suwannik, a 16 year old student from The Prince Royal’s College in Chiang Mai. Chonlath,…
- Road deaths
Minibus crash in Surat Thani injures ten foreign tourists
A minibus carrying foreign tourists overturned yesterday, injuring ten passengers. The accident occurred around 6.30am, yesterday, July 7, on Phunphin-Mueang Road in the Tha Lon sub-district, Phunphin district, Surat Thani province. Police and rescue workers promptly arrived at the scene where they found the minibus overturned on the roadside. The ten foreign tourists, who sustained minor injuries, were swiftly transported…
