- Pattaya News
Hot ink, cool runs: Pattaya set for tattoo parades, bikini escapades
Anticipation is bubbling over in Pattaya as the city prepares to host not one, but two sensational events that promise to turn up the heat this weekend: the Pattaya International Tattoo Festival and the eagerly awaited Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2024. Kicking off the festivities, Central Marina is poised to become the epicentre of creativity with the tattoo festival…
- Thailand News
Land of opportunity: Thailand lays ground for 99-year ‘lease’ of a lifetime
In a bold move to bolster foreign investment, Thailand is set to revolutionise its land lease policies by extending terms to an impressive 99 years. This game-changing proposal was unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira at the glitzy CEO Econmas Awards 2024, marking a monumental shift for international investors eyeing long-term opportunities in the Land of…
- Business News
Thailand shifts gears to keep diesel costs cruising under control
In a bold move to soothe the sting at the forecourts, the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) unveiled its plan to keep Thailand’s diesel prices under a breezy 33 baht per litre, even though the current subsidy scheme is revving to a halt. This decision steers from an unexpected upturn in OFFO’s finances, courtesy of plummeting global oil prices. Fiscal…
- Thailand News
KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel
A young British boxing hopeful was found lifeless at the swanky Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The grim discovery of Joshua Goldstone in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, has left friends and fans reeling, as the boxer’s Australian mate is battling for his life amidst the scandalous surroundings of a potential drug overdose. The 21 year old fighter’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s BRICS dreams: Up in the air but not grounded yet
Thailand’s bid for membership in the influential BRICS international organisation remains up in the air, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Government of Thailand is currently weighing the economic implications of joining this powerful bloc, with a decision pending in the House. BRICS, which boasts heavyweights like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cultural treasures shine bright: No.8 in global rankings
Thailand has secured a top spot in cultural heritage, ranking eighth out of 89 countries, according to a recent US News & World report. This prestigious ranking catapults Thailand into the elite league of culturally rich nations, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and historical significance. The American media powerhouse determined the rankings based on five crucial attributes: cultural accessibility, rich…
- Thailand News
Thai gold sparkles up: Price hike ignites buyer frenzy
Thailand’s gold market is glittering even brighter today, as prices soar once again, lighting a fire under eager buyers. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported a shiny new high, with gold jewellery prices jumping by 100 baht since yesterday, October 30, now shimmering at 45,000 baht per baht weight. Today’s morning memo from the GTA at 9.10am set the domestic…
- Business News
Gogolook ‘whoscalls’ the shots: Thai HQ set to scamper into anti-scam market
In a move set to shake up Southeast Asia, Gogolook, the brains behind the Whoscall app, unveiled a brand-new headquarters in Thailand. This bold step is part of the tech giant’s grand plan to dominate the burgeoning global anti-scam arena, expected to skyrocket to a whopping US$129 billion by 2029. Jeff Kuo, Gogolook’s co-founder and CEO, spilt the beans on…
- Business News
HSBC Thailand is the big cheese, claims No.1 bank title again
HSBC Thailand once again has proven itself the big cheese of banking, clinching the Best International Bank in Thailand award for the fourth year running from both Euromoney and FinanceAsia. This coveted accolade reflects the bank’s top-notch financial prowess and its solid standing in the Thai market. The accolades don’t stop at Thailand’s borders! HSBC’s domination extends throughout the ASEAN…
- Bangkok News
Thai-phoon trouble: Flights grounded as Kong-rey storms Taiwan (video)
Chaos reigned in the skies as Thai Airways International grounded several flights with typhoon Kong-rey barrelling towards Taiwan. The airline pulled the plug on three Bangkok-Taipei routes yesterday, October 30 (TG634, TG636, and TG635) and grounded TG637 today, leaving travellers in a tailspin. Announcing the shutdown on Facebook, the national carrier urged affected passengers to dial their hotline at 662-356-1111…
- Thailand News
Turbocharged cops shift gears to bust Thai luxury car scam (video)
In a story more fitting for a Jason Statham heist movie, police finally cracked a high-rolling car scam, seizing a £6.5 million (285 million baht) stash of stolen luxury motors, including a jaw-dropping £220,000 (9.65 million baht) Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. These wheels were fraudulently whisked away from Britain and shipped to Thailand eight years ago but now they’re coming home,…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s courtroom prescription: Legal drama escalates in Swiss assault dismissal
A gripping legal battle is heating up in Phuket as the lawyer representing a woman doctor challenges the court’s shocking decision to dismiss her assault case against a Swiss man. Dr Thandao Chandam claims she was kicked in the back by 45 year old Urs Fehr, also known as David, while she sat outside his villa on Yamu Beach in…
- Business News
Central Pattana unwraps festive cheer with finn-tastic partnership
Central Pattana Plc (CPN), Thailand’s retail powerhouse, is teaming up with a host of partners including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Embassy of Finland, Sculptra by Galderma, and Finnair to launch the extravagant The World’s Great Celebration 2025. With a whopping 700 million baht investment, this initiative aims to give Thailand’s economy a festive boost and reinforce its…
- Business News
Crime coins: SEC cracks down on crypto laundering in Thailand
In a bold move, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding digital asset operators report suspicious transactions as part of a crackdown on crypto money-laundering scams. This action follows hot on the heels of accusations against iCon Group, a direct sales outfit allegedly involved in laundering dirty money through the stablecoin USDT. The Department of…
- Thailand News
Gold rush fever: Prices surge, Thai buyers told to act fast
In a dazzling turn of events, gold prices shot up today, leaving potential buyers scrambling to make their move as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reveals hefty increases. Gold ornaments are now flaunting a price tag of 44,800 baht per baht weight, leaping up by a solid 350 baht overnight. According to the GTA, bullion gold with a 96.5% purity…
- Thailand News
Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring
Thailand is basking in a financial boom, with foreign tourists spending a staggering 90% more on Visa credit cards this year compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2019. While Thai travellers are tightening their purse strings amid a sluggish economy, foreigners can’t seem to get enough of the Land of Smiles. Visa Thailand’s country manager, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, revealed that Thailand…
- Business News
Starbucks stirs up Thai market with a ‘latte’ new stores brewing
Hold onto your coffee cups, folks! Starbucks Thailand is brewing up a storm with plans to roll out 30 new stores annually, even as the country’s coffee market bubbles with fierce competition. This caffeine-fuelled expansion underscores the coffee giant’s faith in Thailand’s untapped potential in Southeast Asia. Spearheading this bold venture is Starbucks Thailand’s Managing Director, Nednapa Srisamai, who’s unfazed…
- Thailand News
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar launch Clear Sky to combat pollution
In a bid to blow away the blanket of smog smothering Southeast Asia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar joined forces with a sparkling new initiative: the Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030. The grand unveiling took place at Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, with VIPs Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s top minister, and Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, leading the…
- Thailand News
Phuket at the helm of Asia’s Urban Act initiative
Phuket has been handpicked as the focal point for the Urban Act initiative, an ambitious drive set to spearhead low-carbon, resilient urban growth across the Asia-Pacific. The announcement was unveiled at a meeting in Phuket Provincial Hall with Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri among the key players present. The Urban Act Project, which kicked off in April…
- Thailand News
British Airways spreads its wings: Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on
In a move that’s set to soar to new heights, British Airways relaunched its direct flights from London Gatwick to the bustling city of Bangkok. The inaugural flight, BA 2231, took to the skies from Gatwick, yesterday, October 29, making a graceful touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Internationa Airport this afternoon, marking a triumphant return to the Land of Smiles. Tourism Authority…
- Thailand News
Nine injured in van and truck collision in Phuket
A dramatic head-on collision rocked Ao Po Pier Road in Pa Khlok, Phuket as a van and a small truck collided with a bang, leaving nine people nursing injuries. The crash unfolded around 5.30pm, yesterday, October 29, near Moo 9, prompting an immediate and swift reaction from local police and emergency crews. On the scene, rescue teams found two Thai…
- Visa Information
Thai visa woes: From easy as pie to digital fly, book before you buy
Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilà! You’d be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days! But hold onto your hats, because the…
- Thailand News
Battle at Jomtien Beach: Pattaya teen left reeling in sandy scuffle
In the early hours of today, chaos descended upon Jomtien Beach in Pattaya as a vicious brawl broke out, leaving one teenager with horrific injuries. At precisely 1.46am, today, October 30, Pattaya police were urgently summoned to the scene of mayhem along Jomtien Beach Road, near Jomtien Soi 12, where a gang-related altercation involving scores of youths had erupted. Upon…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya shooting: Gunman opens fire on revellers
A terrifying shooting incident early this morning has left both locals and tourists reeling in Pattaya City. The drama unfolded at 4.06am, today, October 30, on Petchtrakul Road, right outside the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant in the Nongprue subdistrict. Panic set in as police received urgent calls about the shocking event, prompting the deputy chief of Pattaya…
- Bangkok News
Ex-Russian mercenary hits a wall of ammunition trouble in Bangkok
An ex-Russian war dog found himself in the clutches of Bangkok police after a stash of ammunition was discovered in his swanky condo, along with explosive threats to take out rivals. Immigration police officers swooped on 25 year old Russian national, Milo Yanovich, at his Makkasan-area pad in the Ratchathewi district yesterday, October 28. Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy…
- Business News
Golden opportunity: Prices to sparkle amid global turmoil, US policy
Gold prices are primed for a glittering rise this week, says the Gold Research Centre (GRC). Driven by a trio of global factors, the Middle East turmoil, cues from the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) policy moves, and faltering US economic signals—this precious metal is sparking keen market interest. While most experts brace for stable or dipping gold rates, the GRC…
- Business News
Bitcoin breaks the bank: Crypto leap sends shockwaves through markets
In a dazzling leap forward, Bitcoin smashed through the US$71,000 barrier, sending shockwaves through the financial world. This crypto milestone, unmatched since June, comes on the heels of hefty inflows into exchange-traded funds and rampant election speculation. As the clock ticked past 10.45am in Singapore, the digital asset darling rocketed over 2%, peaking at an impressive US$71,310. Not to be…
- Business News
Bangkok Bank’s virtual gamble: A licence to thrill in digital banking
In a bold move set to shake up the banking scene, Bangkok Bank (BBL) is betting big on bagging a coveted virtual bank licence, boasting the might of its powerhouse partners as a strategic edge. The bank is convinced that its dream team will help it emerge victorious in the bustling virtual banking battleground. Kobsak Pootrakool, BBL’s senior executive vice-president,…
- Phuket News
Bangkok cops reel in cunning Phuket light rail project con artist
The Metropolitan Police Investigation Bureau cops in Bangkok reeled in a cunning fraudster who duped victims into a sham Phuket light rail project investment scheme. The lady in question, only identified as 44 year old Ms Wongduean, was apprehended on Nawamin 70 Road in the bustling Bueng Kum district on Sunday, October 27. Ms Wongduean is accused of swindling over…
- Thailand News
Thai-panic: AirAsia flight defies disaster over denied landing in India
A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Passengers were left fearing for their lives as the aircraft was forced to circle for a staggering 45 minutes with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining in the tank. The drama unfolded…
