- Thailand News
DoE raid: Unlicensed foreign teachers schooled in surprise sweep
Department of Employment (DoE) officials swooped into Bangkok’s Ratchada and Bang Na areas to check on foreign teachers without any certification in a surprise operation. Hot on the heels of last week’s shock arrest of eight South Korean nationals teaching without valid work documentation, officials are leaving no stone unturned to rectify the situation. “Search, Arrest, Fine, Deport” is the…
- Business News
Stable vision: Binance pushes for baht-backed crypto in Phuket
The Government of Thailand is being urged by Binance’s Thai branch to explore the development of stablecoins tethered to the baht, intended for use within the country and particularly within the proposed Phuket crypto sandbox. Unlike volatile digital assets such as Bitcoin, stablecoins are linked to fiat currencies, offering a more stable alternative. Nirun Fuwattananukul, CEO of Gulf Binance, explained…
- Business News
Taxing decisions: Thai businesses brace for higher import duties
Thailand’s business entrepreneurs are leaning towards higher import tariffs should the government forge ahead with its ambitious tax reform plans, according to a fresh poll from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This survey follows hot on the heels of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira unveiling a set of tax reform proposals designed to swell state coffers, fuel national development, sharpen…
- Business News
Fuelling growth: Thailand’s energy use rises as tourism powers up
The Department of Energy Business revealed fuel consumption in Thailand saw a 2.1% rise last year, reaching a daily average of 155.4 million litres, in tandem with an estimated GDP growth of 2.6-2.7%, largely fuelled by bustling tourism-related industries. In 2023, total fuel consumption was slightly less, at 152.3 million litres per day. Jet fuel, driven by the surge in…
- Pattaya News
Winning tide: Pattaya beach rides wave of awards for beauty
Pattaya Beach often dominates the news for unsavory reasons but this week the famed holiday resort grabbed headlines for the right reasons by scooping up three prestigious awards, highlighting its stunning beauty and dedication to sustainable tourism. Recognised by top-tier organisations like the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research and the Department of Tourism, Pattaya Beach is being lauded…
- Pattaya News
Shore thing: Viral video shows Indian tourists sleeping on Pattaya Beach
A video circulating on Instagram showing what appears to be a mass takeover of Pattaya Beach by Indian tourists has set social media on fire. Shared with the not-so-subtle caption “Indian Tourists in Pattaya,” the clip reveals around 100 holidaymakers lounging on mats. Some are seen knocking back beers while surrounded by unsightly piles of litter. The footage has ignited…
- Business News
Tariff-ied: Thai exporters brace for US trade heat
Thai exporters could soon find themselves in hot water, facing increased tariffs from the United States. The Government of Thailand might also be compelled to import more American goods to balance out its trade surplus, warns Burin Adulwattana, the Managing Director and Chief Economist at Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). Burin shared that K-Research hasn’t yet drilled down into the possible…
- Business News
Price hike strikes again: Inflation on a ten-month hot streak
Inflation in January has surged to 1.32%, continuing a relentless ten-month climb, with fuel, food, and beverage costs driving the increase. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) chief, disclosed that the consumer price index has jumped by 1.32% compared to the same time last year. It’s the second consecutive month where inflation has breached the 1% mark. A…
- Thailand News
Call centre scam victims rescued from Myanmar’s clutches
Sixty-one hapless victims, duped by call centre scammers and whisked away to Myanmar, yesterday made a triumphant return to Thailand. Courtesy of the Myanmar Border Guard Force, the rescued victims were handed over to Thai officials at the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Bridge in the Mae Sot district of Tak province. The rescue mission was graced by none other than Defence Minister…
- Phuket News
Waste no time: Phuket fast-tracks trash tech near city centre
A ticking time bomb lurks in the heart of Phuket’s beautiful landscape but not one you would expect. Phuket City Municipality is racing against the clock to establish a state-of-the-art solid waste sorting facility at the waste disposal centre in Saphan Hin, a stone’s throw from bustling Phuket City centre. Deputy Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet revealed that by the end of…
- Bangkok News
Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
- Thailand News
Activists demand Parliament clean house on old prostitution law
A groundswell for change surged through Parliament today, as Naiyana Suphaphueng of the Service Workers’ Friends Foundation, flanked by activists and supporters, submitted a bold draft bill to scrap the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539. With over 13,000 signatures in tow, the proposal was formally handed over to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House…
- Thailand News
Caught with his visa down: Thai cops snare suspected American pedophile
In a dramatic swoop, Thai immigration officers uncovered an alleged American pedophile in the unsuspecting town of Nakhon Ratchasima after police discovered the 57 year old had overstayed his visa. Overstaying his welcome by far more than a few days, the man, named Negri, is a key suspect on the FBI’s radar, hunted down for harrowing charges encompassing child exploitation…
- Opinion
Trump’s mad, mad, mad, mad world—now with extra madness
It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad, world, about to get a whole lot madder under newly elected United States President Donald Trump. The 78 year old alleged leader of the free world, not content with stirring a hornet’s nest by saying he plans to take over Greenland and make Canada a US state, yesterday, February 5, he announced plans to…
- Pattaya News
Parking puzzle: Pattaya evens out the odds to curb traffic congestion
In a bid to tackle the notorious traffic congestion in South Pattaya, city officials have rolled out a strict enforcement of odd-even parking rules on the bustling South Pattaya Road. Starting Monday, February 3, the initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and bring order to the chaotic streets. On the first day of enforcement, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet took to…
- Thailand News
British husband of the Thai ‘Lady of the Hills’ bailed (video)
The British husband suspected of murdering his Thai wife over two decades ago has been released on bail. The mystery surrounding the tragic case of Lamduan Armitage, whose body was discovered in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, deepens as police make urgent appeals for information. Lamduan, known as the “Lady of the Hills,” was found lifeless in a stream near the…
- Thailand News
Missing British man found dead in Bangkok
The family of a missing British man paid tribute after he was found dead in Thailand. Essex-born James Sangwine has died after going missing in Thailand for days. Thai police have yet to release details around the circumstances of the Londoner’s death. The father of one’s family has launched a fundraiser to help bring the 33 year old man’s body…
- Pattaya News
British tourist’s bribery tale jailed as ‘untrue’ by Pattaya police chief
A British tourist’s claims of bribing his way out of a Pattaya jail have been denounced as “largely untrue” by a Pattaya police chief. However, in a bid for transparency, the Pattaya police chief promises a thorough review of the evidence. Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, head of the Pattaya Police Station in Chon Buri province, issued a strong denial yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Golden days: Dazzling rise in gold prices spark trading frenzy
In a sparkling turn of events, gold prices have shot up, leaving traders feverishly clasping their hands with glee. Today, February 4 marked a golden morning as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a substantial hike of 250 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, setting the trading floors abuzz with anticipation. As the clock struck 9.05 am, the shimmering reality set…
- Thailand News
Cybercrime crackdown: New law holds Big Tech accountable
In a landmark move against the surging tide of cybercrime, a significant amendment proposal is set to be unveiled in the Royal Gazette this month, aimed at reinforcing the fight against online fraud. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the bold step comes in response to rising concerns over the financial havoc wreaked by cybercriminals. In a…
- Hua Hin News
Beautician from Thailand battles British heirs for £400k inheritance
In an explosive legal showdown fit for a soap opera, a beautician from Thailand is taking her former British lover’s sons to the London High Court, demanding her slice of their late father’s £400,000 inheritance. The contentious affair has captivated courtroom observers, as they watch the tug-of-war over promises, property, and pounds unfold in the British High Court. Kanokporn Nattachai…
- Phuket News
Back in the driver’s seat: Rewat plans to steer Phuket forward
Fresh off his re-election victory, Rewat Areerob is revving up to tackle the challenges facing Phuket as the newly-affirmed president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO). Triumphing with a commanding 86,616 votes, Rewat of the Phuket Yat Dai Party left his nearest rival, Lersak Leenanitikul of the Prachachon Party, trailing in the dust with 44,602 votes. Not content with…
- Phuket News
Smoke out: Phuket cracks down on polluters as air crisis worsens
Phuket is turning up the heat on environmental offenders with a major new campaign aimed at tackling the island’s escalating air pollution crisis. In a bold bid to curb forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 dust pollution, the island’s officials have launched a public awareness drive, kicking off with a grand ceremony at the Phuket Provincial Hall, today, February 3, presided…
- Thailand News
Ballot bedlam: Nearly 2 million votes go to waste in local elections
In an electoral fiasco that left heads spinning, nearly 2 million ballots were either ruled invalid or marked as no-vote in the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidential elections, which took place across 47 provinces last Saturday. The startling figures have raised eyebrows and questions about the voting process. Today, February 3, the Office of the Election Commission unveiled the sobering…
- Thailand News
Monk, vendor, & balloon seller strike gold with ‘ugly’ lottery tickets
Three unlikely winners, a monk, a toy vendor, and a balloon seller, each scooped a cool 6 million baht after purchasing a set of ‘ugly’ lottery tickets. Initially overlooked, these tickets turned out to hold the coveted first prize. The buzz began to reverberate through Khon Kaen on Saturday, February 1, as the Government Lottery Office announced the winning number…
- Thailand News
Golden getaway: Thief strikes at Pathum Thani shopping mall
In a bold daylight heist that could rival Hollywood thrillers, a lone thief made off with an impressive haul from a bustling Pathum Thani shopping mall in the Khlong 5 area. The audacious theft unfolded today, February 3, leaving Thai police officers in hot pursuit of the suspect who absconded with a staggering 150 baht in gold, valued at over…
- Krabi News
Blade end: Krabi mechanic’s routine lawnmower repair turns deadly
A seemingly ordinary day turned tragic for a 72 year old Krabi mechanic, as a routine lawnmower repair took a lethal turn. The Krabi mechanic, Saman, yesterday, February 2, was engaged in what should have been just another day at his repair shop: a humble single-storey setup nestled in the area of Ban Khao Thiam Pa, Khao Thong subdistrict in…
- Thailand News
Aussie influencer breaks silence on life with two vaginas (video)
An Australian influencer is making waves online, tackling taboos and shedding light on a rare condition that sets her apart, she has two vaginas. Born with uterus didelphys, a unique anomaly where a woman possesses two vaginas, Evelyn Miller is delving into the intimate details of her life, quelling curiosity and sparking conversations across the globe. Through the lens of…
- Pattaya News
British man’s Thailand trip goes from heaven to prison hell (video)
A British man ventured to Thailand anticipating nothing more than a peaceful, sun-drenched escape, yet, his dream holiday rapidly descended into a nightmare after a seemingly trivial mishap spiralled into a chain of catastrophic events. Arrested, assaulted, and stripped of his belongings, Andrew Hopkins’ tale unfolds as a chilling reminder for would-be travellers drawn to the Land of Smiles. It…
- Pattaya News
Peace talks misfire: Pattaya feud ends in bullets and blown tires
In another day of drama in Pattaya, an attempt to settle a feud between two rival groups spectacularly backfired, ending with bullets flying and a vehicle caught in the crossfire. Early yesterday morning, February 2, at precisely 9am, saw the police swoop on 24 year old Aniwat, better known by the street name “Nick,” at his Pattaya home. His crime?…
