Bob Scott
- Thailand News
Tourists flying high from Thailand, face cannabis crackdown in UK
Tourists jetting into the United Kingdom from Thailand, Canada, and the United States are being slapped with stern warnings from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) about the severe penalties for smuggling cannabis. The heightened vigilance at UK airports sparked a massive surge in arrests and drug seizures, laying bare the zero-tolerance stance taken by the UK police. According to…
- Bangkok News
Methanol poisoning from homemade hooch causes 6 deaths in Bangkok
Police are investigating an alarming rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to homemade alcohol in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district. Six people have died, and several others are critically ill after consuming the contaminated liquor. Yesterday, August 28, at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Pairoj Suratnawanich, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, confirmed that 22 patients are currently receiving…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya City launches flood relief donation points for North Thailand
Pattaya City is rallying together with Bang Lamung district, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and Pattaya Police Station to launch donation points for flood relief in North Thailand. The initiative, spearheaded by Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, Prasert Thongthitcharoen of the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and Petty Officer 1st Class Pittayaphon Kokaew, Bang Lamung District Chief, aims to bring aid…
- Phuket News
Phuket deadly landslide leaves officials scrambling for answers (video)
Government officials in Phuket are urgently consulting experts to investigate a mountaintop disaster where 13 people, including several foreign nationals, were tragically killed in recent landslides. Provincial Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced that the provincial office is reaching out to the permanent secretary of natural resources and environment to enlist expert help in probing the cause of the landslides and preventing…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s TV turmoil calls for a channel change in AV rules
Thailand’s television landscape is in turmoil, and a new study says it’s time for a fresh set of rules to manage the booming audio-visual (AV) market, including streaming platforms, geo-satellite broadcasts, and digital terrestrial TV (DTT). The report, commissioned by the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and carried out by SCF Associates, was made public yesterday.…
- Thailand News
Thai bus firms under siege as Chinese rivals drive them up the wall
The Thai bus industry is under siege with Chinese bus operators flooding the market with cut-rate prices and dodgy tactics, leaving Thai companies struggling to keep up. The Thai Transportation Operators Association has sounded the alarm on this cut-throat competition. Wasuchet Sophonsathien, the association’s president, laid bare the ongoing crisis. Illegal foreign bus operators are muscling in on the market,…
- Bangkok News
Thai cops ‘bud’ out Taiwanese cannabis smugglers in Bangkok bust
Immigration officials in Thailand, in collaboration with other agencies, snagged two Taiwanese nationals in a high-stakes cannabis smuggling operation. The suspects were arrested in Bangkok’s Bang Rak and Din Daeng districts and now face serious charges for planning to export a controlled drug without permission and overstaying their visas. The bust came after a tip-off from a vigilant citizen who…
- Thailand News
No need to panic, flood’s just a ‘ripple’ in northern Thailand
The Government of Thailand urged residents not to panic after the recent deluge in the north of the country, adding it won’t flood Bangkok or its neighbouring provinces. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai declared that the caretaker administration has everything under control. With waters wreaking havoc in Chiang Rai, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, and Sukhothai, the emergency services are stepping up…
- Business News
EV battery boom: Can AI help Thailand drive to the top?
Thailand is revving up for a major geopolitical boost by focusing on electric vehicle (EV) batteries and auto components, including integrated circuit packaging and testing. According to Taiwan’s Profet AI, the key to speeding up product delivery, slashing costs, and raising standards lies in adopting cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) amid ongoing economic headwinds. Jerry Huang, co-founder and CEO of Profet…
- Thailand News
Koh Pha Ngan shopkeeper’s laughing gas caper goes up in smoke
A Koh Pha Ngan shopkeeper has been caught red-handed peddling balloons stuffed with nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, without a licence, and it’s no laughing matter! Rangsiman Jaisamer was busted by police in his Haad Rin shop early today, August 22, where officers discovered two cylinders of the giggly gas and a stash of balloons ready for sale.…
- Thailand News
Tragedy strikes the Chao Phraya River: Two dead in jet ski collision
A devastating jet ski accident on the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district on Saturday night claimed the lives of two people. The jet ski, operated by 21 year old Shindanai Sae Lim, smashed into a small boat, raising serious concerns about his qualifications to handle the watercraft. The Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch acted promptly,…
- Thailand News
Gun-toting dad holds daughter hostage in Bangkok standoff
A dramatic hostage situation unfolded yesterday in Lat Krabang Soi 16, Bangkok, as a father armed with a gun held his ten year old daughter captive inside their home. Police swiftly cordoned off the area, barring any unrelated individuals from entering the tense scene. The alarming incident came to light when the child’s mother alerted the police, reporting that her…
- Thailand News
Passenger found dead on Bangkok to Hat Yai bus route
A grim discovery was made on a Bangkok-Hat Yai bus route when a passenger found the person seated next to them had died during the journey. The horrifying incident prompted immediate action, leading to police and medical intervention. Sarayuth Thaneerat, Deputy Inspector of Chian Yai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, at 6.30am yesterday, August 18, received a report of…
- Pattaya News
Irishman’s fatal fall leaves Pattaya hotel guests stunned
Tragedy struck a swanky 5-star hotel in Pattaya in the early hours of this morning when an Irishman plunged to his death from the 31st floor. The Irishman, Michael Browne, shocked hotel staff and patrons as he fell to his death from the 31st floor today, August 19. The shocking incident, which has left the Pattaya police baffled, raises questions…
- Thailand News
Police seize e-cigarettes disguised as toys worth 10 million baht
Police raided a warehouse belonging to the major northern Thai online e-cigarette dealer, YAI VAPE, seizing 30,000 items worth 10 million baht. The police found the e-cigarettes disguised as toys to avoid detection by parents and teachers. The Ministry of Public Health is pushing for legislative changes to close legal loopholes. Thai police conducted a press conference today to announce…
- Business News
Cryptos surge as BNB leads with 89.6% gain in 2024
Cryptocurrencies are experiencing a resurgence despite global economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties, emerging as top-performing assets in the first seven months of 2024. Nvidia, one of the Magnificent 7 tech stocks on the US stock exchange, also ranks highly. Binance Coin (BNB) led the cryptocurrency returns this year with an impressive 89.6% gain as of July 22. Bitcoin followed with…
- Thailand News
Walk on wild side: Bang Kapi skywalk to open by end of September
Bangkok Deputy Governor Wissanu Sapsompol announced that the capital’s Bang Kapi area is set to see the full opening of its skywalk by the end of next month. The skywalk project has faced delays, with only a 1-kilometre section from The Mall shopping centre to Wat Si Boonruang near the MRT Yellow Line currently accessible. The remaining section, which will…
- Thailand News
DoH advises toll cuts over extension to ease Bangkok costs
The Department of Highways (DoH) urged the Government of Thailand to focus on reducing toll fees rather than extending the concession for the Don Mueang Tollway, as a strategy to lower living costs in Bangkok. Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently proposed extending the current concession for Don Mueang Tollway Plc, which is set to expire in 2034. Suriya argued…
- Phuket News
Phuket or leave it: Flooded roads sink travel plans to island airport
Flooding across Phuket is wreaking havoc on travellers bound for the island’s international airport, as waterlogged roads spark major disruptions. Local officials are urging passengers to rethink their travel plans, advising them to allow an extra three to four hours to reach the airport in these treacherous conditions. Phuket International Airport officials issued a public warning, strongly recommending the additional…
- Thailand News
Former PM Thaksin faces court over 2015 lese majeste allegations
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, made a dramatic return to the Criminal Court today, facing charges in a high-stakes lese majeste case linked to a controversial 2015 interview in Seoul. Arriving at 8.53am, today, August 19, in a yellow shirt and black jacket, the 75 year old Thaksin appeared unfazed as he briefly addressed the press. “I’m…
- Thailand News
Motorcyclist dies after crash on new coastal bridge in Chon Buri
A motorcyclist tragically lost his life yesterday after his big bike skidded off a sharp curve on a new coastal bridge in Chon Buri, crashing into a lamppost. The incident occurred at 5.30pm yesterday, August 18. Police Lieutenant Thitirattapoom Jaipinta, Deputy Inspector of Samed Police Station in Chon Buri, received a report about the accident near the descent of the…
- Thailand News
Berry big deal: over 1,000 Thai pickers to jam in Sweden, Finland
Thai workers are set for Sweden and Finland as the new berry-picking season kicks off. In a major move, the Department of Employment has given the green light to a whopping 1,129 Thai workers to pack their bags and head to the Nordic lands. Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan broke the news, revealing that the first wave of over 1,000 Thai…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Rain check: Thailand braces for a monsoon downpour and flooding
Get out the brollies and waterproofs, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in 49 provinces across Thailand due to a monsoon. The TMD forecasts rain in 70% of the affected areas, advising caution against flash floods and landslides. A weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough…
- Economy News
Thailand’s economy grows 2.3% in Q2, surpassing forecasts
Thailand’s economy roared back to life in the second quarter, fuelled by a surge in consumption, tourism, and exports, according to today’s eye-popping official data. This economic boost has prompted the government to up its growth forecast for the year. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revealed that Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded by 2.3% from the same…
- Business News
Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy
Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week. Since July, the baht has been a star performer, climbing up the ranks as tourism bounced back from a near two-year low against the US dollar in May. But this impressive upswing could be at risk…
- Transport News
Pattaya targets traffic congestion with new management strategies
Efforts to address Pattaya’s persistent traffic congestion took a significant step forward as Bang Lamung district chief Wikit Manarojkit led a pivotal meeting with key stakeholders at Pattaya City Hall just before the weekend. The gathering included Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngamphiches, Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, Police Colonel Tawi Kutthaeng, Superintendent of Nong Prue…
- Tourism News
Pattaya’s big splash: New app to make Chinese tourists feel at home
Pattaya launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enriching the travel experience for Chinese tourists. The Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, led by Boon-anan Pattanasin, hosted a meeting at the Sabai Sabana Hotel on Pattaya Soi 2 to unveil the “Wei Tai Guo” application. During the event, Panawika Limpaphan, Executive Chairman of Digilink (Thailand) Co., Ltd., introduced the new app. Panawika…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya Tourist Police catch Cambodian duo in water safety sting
Pattaya Tourist Police arrested two Cambodian men as they conducted a water safety plan in the popular holiday seaside resort. Pattaya Tourist Police, in collaboration with the Water Transport Inspection Unit, Regional Harbor Office 6 (Pattaya Branch), and the Chon Buri Marine Disaster Prevention Division, intensified their efforts to enhance water safety over the past weekend. The joint inspection aimed…
- Politics News
People’s Party to turn the electoral tide
New People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut demanded his party perform much better in the next General Election. The 37 year old was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as the new head of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This surprise appointment comes hot on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s bombshell decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and…
- Thailand News
30-baht scheme in hot water: is Thailand’s gold card running out of cash?
Thailand’s universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme, faces scrutiny over its financial sustainability and adequacy in providing security to all citizens. Health experts call for a reform to ensure the scheme’s long-term viability. This populist policy, launched by the Pheu Thai Party more than two decades ago, strives to offer equitable medical treatment for Thai citizens,…
