Bob Scott
- 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…
- Bangkok News
Python in Government House: Officials search to find slithery mum
A young python caused a stir at the Government House leading to a frantic search for its mother by officials. The incident occurred at 12.30pm, yesterday, July 29, following a Cabinet meeting. As ministers were leaving, the discovery of a baby python curled up in the press room sparked discussions among journalists and onlookers, one official said. “This has never…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Big D Gerrard exposes taxi driver watching pornography
Big D Gerrard encountered a taxi driver watching pornography in the car while stopped at a traffic light. The singer shared a video of the incident on TikTok, questioning how one would feel if their daughter had to ride in such a taxi. Big D Gerrard, whose real name is Brian Gerard Ukrit Willie Broad Don Gabriel, posted the video…
- 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…
- 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
MFP to lift the curtain: Bangkok gym gear scandal in the spotlight
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to disclose the results of its investigations into alleged corruption within a procurement programme for gym equipment. Suphanat Meenchainan, MFP MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si, announced the procurement irregularities came to public attention online in June. The BMA reportedly faced procurement issues at nine of…
- 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
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 to ASEAN: Let’s get digital for ‘byte-sized’ unity
Thailand urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance integration by adopting a unified digital economy system, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring regional security through existing mechanisms. Speaking at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane yesterday, July 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised the growing interest of many countries and international organisations in engaging with ASEAN.…
- 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
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
Strategist shares HIV journey from Thailand at AIDS 2024
A 39 year old strategist working with Hiv-Sverige/HIV-Sweden, a national organisation dedicated to the welfare of people living with HIV, revealed he contracted the virus in Thailand in 2012. Emanuel Karlstrom expressed gratitude to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic for providing him with HIV medication and essential guidance on maintaining a healthy life while living with the virus.…
- 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…
- 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,…
- Phuket News
Phuket leads in dengue crisis: Kids worst hit in southern Thailand
Phuket has emerged as the hotspot for dengue fever in upper southern Thailand, with the highest infection rates among seven provinces, according to the Department of Disease Control’s regional office. Dr Darinda Rosa, acting Director of Health Region 11’s Disease Control Office, highlighted a significant surge in dengue cases from January 1 to yesterday, totalling 5,853. Children aged 10-14 are…
- 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…
- Economy News
Thailand’s national holidays set to generate 18.3 billion baht
National holidays in Thailand this month are expected to boost tourism revenue significantly, with projections indicating 18.3 billion baht from five million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The momentum in domestic tourism showed strong performance during the recent Buddhist holidays, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent), and is anticipated to continue through…
- Cannabis News
Weed way to go! Thailand flip-flops on cannabis laws again
In yet another exercise of political flip-flopping in Thailand’s cannabis saga, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to legislate marijuana for medical use. This unexpected move marks a significant U-turn from recent proposals to re-criminalise the plant, leaving many questioning whether the government knows whether it’s coming or going. Thailand made headlines as one of the first Asian countries…
- 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…
