- Business News
SCG Décor forecasts 10% rise to 30 billion baht in ASEAN market
SCG Décor (SCGD), a key player in the decor surface and bathroom business, projects a 10% year-on-year revenue increase to 30 billion baht, largely fuelled by heightened sales in the ASEAN market, including a significant push for green products. The company anticipates its revenue will double by 2030. Numpol Malichai, Chief Executive and Managing Director of SCGD, revealed the company’s intention…
- 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,…
- Thailand News
Thailand praised for Aids response at UNAIDS conference
Thailand’s approach to community sustainability in its Aids response has earned high praise from Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Byanyima commended Thailand’s success and urged other nations to adopt similar strategies to combat HIV. During an exclusive interview at the 25th UNAIDS 2024 conference, which runs until Friday, July 26, Byanyima highlighted the…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Stripes unplugged: Failed attempts to domesticate zebras
Once upon a time, there were attempts to domesticate zebras, without much success. Zebras, members of the Equus genus and the subgenus Hippotigris, are hoofed mammals primarily found in the open plains of Africa, particularly south of the Sahara Desert. Currently, their population ranges from approximately 660,000 to 1 million. During the late 19th century, there was an attempt by humans…
- 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
Thailand braces for heavy rain amid monsoon and storm warnings
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned residents and holidaymakers to brace themselves for heavy rain over the next ten days, highlighting periods of reduced rainfall and times when heavy downpours are expected. A strong monsoon and a tropical storm on the horizon necessitate vigilance and monitoring. The TMD updated its daily cumulative rainfall forecast (every 24 hours: from 7am to…
- 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…
- Crime News
Bangkok hostage crisis ends with two dead, four injured
A tragic incident unfolded in Bangkok yesterday when Tha Kham Police Station received a report at 9.45pm about an armed man holding his family hostage at a residence in Rama 2, Bang Khun Thian. The man, identified as Bunma, a 49 year old printing shop owner, had a domestic dispute that escalated into violence. Bunma fatally shot Police Lieutenant Colonel…
- 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
Wildlife tragedy: Thailand mourns as serow and tiger bite the dust
A serow was discovered shot dead in Phetchabun province, while an injured tiger succumbed to its wounds in Buriram, according to reports from Thai officials yesterday. Chanyaphak Thanachatakkarakun, the chief of Phupha Daeng Wildlife Sanctuary, revealed yesterday, July 21, that a worker from the Silarat Lom Sak stone crushing plant heard gunshots emanating from a mountaintop and subsequently witnessed a…
- 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
Pattaya Education Office checks out Chon Buri’s finest reads
Pattaya Education Office yesterday launched its annual Library Week Project, spotlighting Chon Buri province with the theme Chon Buri: What Is Good About This Province? The event is designed to promote reading awareness and highlight the unique qualities of this vibrant region. Prasatphon Deeden, a Pattaya City Council Member, led the opening ceremony at the Pattaya Public Library on Thepprasit…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Bangkok brawl leaves two teens dead, one injured in soi showdown
Two teenagers were found dead yesterday and another 16 year old was severely injured following a fatal brawl involving several teenagers in Soi Udomsuk 26, Bang Na in Bangkok. Bangkok police received a report at 11.30pm, Sunday, July 7, regarding the killing and injuries. Upon arrival, officers and rescuers discovered the bodies of the two victims, one 14 and the…
- Thailand News
Noodle vendors stir up fortune with thai-rrific 6 million lottery win
Two noodle vendors struck gold by winning the top prize in the Thai government lottery, each receiving 6 million baht. The lucky pair attributed their win to a handsome lottery ticket seller who persuaded them to buy the last two tickets he had. The Thai government lottery results were announced for the draw held yesterday, July 1. The winning number…
- Cannabis News
Thailand’s high hopes: Cannabis convo ignites after doc’s article
The national media in Thailand recently highlighted a significant discussion on the medical use of cannabis, sparked by an article from Associate Professor Dr Pattapong Kessomboon of Khon Kaen University’s Department of Family Medicine. Dr Pattapong addressed widespread misconceptions regarding cannabis, emphasising its overlooked medical benefits. Dr Pattapong pointed out that certain groups have been fixating on cannabis as merely…