- Thailand News
Ministry serves up a vote: Help ‘dish’ out Thailand’s best local eats
The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced yesterday, August 4, that the nation’s culinary heritage is a significant cultural asset that embodies Thai identity. The ministry launched the Thailand Best…
- Thailand News
PPRP’s internal clash: Coalition ‘parties’ divided
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) faces an internal conflict, highlighting clear divisions within the government coalition partner, according to a political analyst. Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a political science lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration, identified two factions within the PPRP: one led by party leader Prawit Wongsuwan and another by party secretary-general Thamanat Prompow. Prawit, who has…
- Thailand News
10,000-baht scheme will go ahead: PM’s future ‘baht’ a problem
The Government of Thailand confirmed that the implementation of the 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme will proceed regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. This assurance comes amid concerns over the Thai premier’s potential dismissal due to a legal challenge. The 62 year old Thai PM’s position is under scrutiny due to a motion submitted by 40 senators. They…
- Thailand News
Tourist injured in Chumphon resort balcony collapse
A man sustained serious injuries after the balcony he was on collapsed at a resort in Chumphon, leading to concerns about unlicensed accommodation and unresponsive local police. Only the local tourist police offered effective help. On July 27, Yanisa, a 46 year old woman from Phetchaburi, and her husband, 44 year old Piyapol, along with friends, were staying at a…
- Business News
Thailand’s bike boom hits a brake with debt drag
Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing output is expected to continue its decline in the second half of the year due to high household debt and a weak economy, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong, commented on the challenging economic conditions. He noted that while the motorcycle industry…
- Business News
Krungthai Bank loan growth: No contraction in confidence
Krungthai Bank (KTB) remains confident in meeting its loan growth target for this year, despite a lending contraction during the initial six months. The bank focuses on achieving a 3% total loan growth throughout 2024, according to its President, Payong Srivanich. The Thai economy’s uneven recovery in the first half of the year and persistent uncertainties in the latter half…
- Technology News
Thailand invests 1 billion baht to boost AI skills and startups
Thailand is poised to harness the momentum of the global artificial intelligence (AI) trend, aiming to transition from an AI user to an AI application creator, as stated by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). The country’s strategy involves leveraging its robust ecosystem, which includes high-performance computing infrastructure, thriving data centres, and ongoing development of skilled employees, research…
- Politics News
Senators call for PM Srettha’s exit after ex-con Cabinet pick
Forty former senators are pushing for the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a Cabinet minister. They announced plans to submit their closing statement to the Constitutional Court by the end of the month. Somchai Swangkarn, a former Senator, revealed that the group is finalising a written closing statement for…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s sharp teens: Samurai swords land youngsters in hot water
Pattaya police arrested a group of teenagers, aged between 14 and 16 years, for possessing samurai swords and other weapons. The incident took place yesterday around 6pm near the Dongtan substation of Pattaya Police Station. Among the confiscated items were three samurai swords, each measuring between 30 and 50 centimetres, six pocket knives, and three brass knuckles. The teens, comprising…
- Thailand News
SCB X delays end of Robinhood food delivery service
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) X PCL has made a significant decision to delay the termination of its Robinhood food delivery service, initially planned for the end of this month. The company yesterday, July 29, submitted a formal request to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to extend the service’s operation. Manop Sangiambut, Chief Financial Officer of SCB X, revealed the…
- Thailand News
Head-on crash between taxi and wrong-way driver goes viral
A dramatic head-on collision between a taxi and a wrong-way driver sparked a flurry of online debate. The incident, captured on a dashcam and shared widely, took place on Sunday, July 28, and has since gone viral, drawing sharp criticism and speculation from netizens. The footage reveals a taxi driving along a curved section of a road when a vehicle…
- Bangkok News
Knife-wielding Thai man causes chaos in Prawet district, Bangkok
A man wielding two knives caused chaos in the Prawet district of Bangkok after attacking locals. The Thai police are struggling to restrain him, urging residents to stay vigilant as the situation remains unresolved. A post on Facebook page Nakorn 45 Anuwat Phoampai detailed the incident. “Everyone ran for their lives! Rescuers arrived to assist a patient following a distress…
- Thailand News
Lottery Plus battles 1,700 fake pages and scams
Noted public figure Panthawat Nakvisut, also known as Not Lottery Plus, filed a complaint with the police against fraudulent pages and gambling websites. Joined by Apaporn Hai, Mont Sit Khamsoi, and their legal team, they presented evidence at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The complaint follows the discovery of scammers using photographs of their presenters to fraudulently sell mystery boxes…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Monsoon rains to hit 39 provinces in Thailand, flash flood warnings
Heavy monsoon rains are expected to lash 39 provinces across Thailand, with severe weather warnings issued for potential flash floods and runoff. Bangkok is also bracing for significant rainfall, with 70% of the area anticipated to be affected. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough is moving through Myanmar and…
- Thailand News
Hospitalised boy gets final gift from dead father in northern Thailand
A tear-jerking tragic event unfolded at a hospital, where a group of nurses and volunteers surprised a four year old child with a birthday cake and a final gift from his father, who had recently died in a road accident. A motorcycle accident involving a cement truck occurred in front of a resort on Highway 2032, Sri Songkhram-Thakadokkeaw Road, in…
- Bangkok News
Noodle disaster: Jet ski capsizes leaves trio in Chao Phraya River
Three young men riding jet skis to enjoy a bowl of noodles found themselves in peril when one of their jet skis capsized in the Chao Phraya River near Bangkok. The incident prompted a rescue operation but the men managed to return safely to shore near Nonthaburi Pier. Volunteer officers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation yesterday, July 29, at 8pm, received…
- Pattaya News
Heavy rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Pattaya and Na Kluea
Heavy rain and strong winds battered the coastal areas of Pattaya and Na Kluea today, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. The Meteorological Department of Thailand predicted heavy rain in 80% of the area, focusing particularly on the Eastern region and Bangkok. Additionally, the Southern Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand were expected to experience waves up to…
- Pattaya News
Thief caught on camera breaking into Pattaya apartments
A daring thief was caught on security cameras sneaking into an apartment building in Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao and breaking into unlocked rooms to steal valuables. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 20, was documented on security footage later released by the apartment owner to alert the public. Local reporters visited S.B. Apartments in Soi Buakhao after…
- Thailand News
Prime minister fears for Trat amid worsening floods
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced serious concern about the ongoing flooding in Trat, which has persisted since it was first reported last week. The government is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern province, according to a Facebook post by the Thai premier yesterday, July 29. The 62 year old Thai prime minister expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Armed…
- Tourism News
Thailand anticipates record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024
Thailand’s tourism sector is set to witness a surge in Russian travellers, with projections indicating a record 2.2 million arrivals next year, buoyed by a new 60-day visa-free scheme. However, a shortage of aircraft in Russian airlines poses a challenge, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In 2025, TAT aims for a 7.5% increase in revenue, targeting 39…
- Bangkok News
Thai-ing up loose ends: Fake prosecutor’s fraud case grows
An investigation into a Thai man accused of posing as a prosecutor and engaging in fraudulent activities is expanding, according to a source from the prosecution. Thai police are delving deeper into the actions of Mongkol Preesukkasem, who was apprehended last Thursday, July 25, while delivering a law enforcement lecture at a high school in Nonthaburi. Taling Chan police in…
- Tourism News
Bad Apple: Thailand ad blunder sparks boycott fury (video)
A condescending new advertisement by US giant Apple sparked outrage in Thailand, with locals threatening to ditch Apple and their iPhones for Samsung. Thai resident and English teacher David William, who boasts 1.6 million Facebook followers and 2.9 million TikTok followers, slammed the ad on his TikTok account @davidwilliamdw. His critique of the ad, The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)…
- Pattaya News
High crimes: Pattaya police arrest drug-dealing monk
In the latest news of monks behaving badly, another member of the Buddhist faith has been arrested by local police in Pattaya on allegations of selling illegal drugs. This arrest also led to the capture of his supplier. The operation took place yesterday under the direction of Police Colonel Nawin Sinthurat, Chief of the Bang Lamung Police Station. Acting on…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya restaurant owner urges police to catch serial thief
A restaurant owner in Pattaya is urging the police to apprehend a thief who has repeatedly targeted her business. Boonyarat, the 40 year old owner of Chill Out 84 restaurant in Soi 5, Nongprue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, reported the incidents to the local police. The restaurant has been hit three times within this month alone. On…
- Thailand News
Thailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment
Debate is intensifying over whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has…
- Thailand News
Thai Senate to cut standing committees amid reduced membership
The Senate is poised to reduce the number of its standing committees to align with the decreased number of senators in the Upper House. Concerns have been raised that this reduction could affect the chamber’s functionality in government. The Senate will debate this issue in its second meeting tomorrow, July 30. Mongkol Surasajja, recently elected as Senate speaker, confirmed that…
- Thailand News
Bhumjaithai Party allies dominate new Thai Senate
The new Senate is poised to play a crucial role in the forthcoming political power dynamics and efforts to amend the Thai constitution. Observers note that the Upper House is now heavily influenced by senators with connections to the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest political faction in Thailand. The newly elected Senate Speaker and one of his deputies are perceived to…
- 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
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…
