- Thailand News
Thailand’s economic growth hits a snag but hope remains
Thailand’s financial fortunes took a slight dip as the latest economic figures failed to meet the lofty heights analysts had anticipated. Official data reveals a respectable 3.2% growth in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, which, while promising, didn’t quite hit the 3.9% growth mark predicted by a Reuters poll of analysts. The National Economic and…
- Thailand News
Sex sales: China’s sex doll revolution with an AI-morous embrace
In a bold leap forward, China’s WMDoll is shaking up the sex toys industry with its cutting-edge, AI-enhanced creations, promising heightened interactivity and a surge in sex doll sales. With state-of-the-art technology behind the scenes, these sophisticated companions are transforming the market. It’s no secret that life’s little pleasures often come with a twist, and China’s WMDoll is adding quite…
- Bangkok News
Pane and gain: Thai Airways lands safely amid cracked cockpit drama
In a high-flying drama with a smooth landing, Thai Airways ensured passenger safety remained sky-high after a Bangkok to Singapore flight returned due to a cracked cockpit window, forcing a swift aircraft swap and ensuring passengers reached their destination safe and sound. In an unexpected twist, travellers aboard Thai Airways’ flight TG401 experienced an unscheduled return to Bangkok after a…
- Business News
Going green: Thailand’s solvent solution sparks eco-revolution
As zero-emission vehicles race to the forefront of Thailand’s climate action, it’s not just the cars that are grabbing the green spotlight in the eco-revolution. Behind the scenes, a silent revolution in solvent recycling is powering the country’s eco-commitments while ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future. In the bustling auto industry of Thailand, an unsung hero is emerging in the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s content creators on the rise as online ad spend soars
Move over, television, Thailand’s digital dawn is upon us as the nation experiences an explosive rise in online content creators, set to hit a staggering 3 million this year. That’s up from 2 million just last year, according to insights from the Media Intelligence Group Co. The burgeoning influencer economy now represents about 5% of the entire Thai population, observed…
- Thailand News
Scam slam: Thais back power cut to con call-centres
A recent survey reveals a surge of support among Thai nationals for cutting utilities in Myanmar as a bold move to thwart call centre scams. With fingers pointing at possible collusion within Thai ranks, the government’s crackdown strategy is taking centre stage. In a striking revelation, a new survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has shed…
- Pattaya News
Four illegal foreign nationals nabbed in Pattaya swoop
Bang Lamung police officers swooped on Naklua at the weekend, leading to the arrest of four foreign nationals working illegally in the bustling area behind Naklua New Market in Chon Buri province. The targeted raid on Saturday, February 15 uncovered a startling six-year overstaying spree by two of the apprehended individuals. The crackdown unfolded in Moo 5, Naklua subdistrict, where…
- Thailand News
Shocking striker: Uker van Lingen’s post-match jolt causes sparks
Suphanburi FC striker Uker van Lingen survived an unexpected encounter with live voltage that turned a routine post-match interview in an electrifying turn of events. As the Football Association of Thailand jumps into action, the bizarre mishap has left the league sparking a debate on safety measures. Following Suphanburi FC’s triumphant 3-0 victory over Pattaya United in the Thai League…
- Bangkok News
Gunning fore glory: Joe Hart looks for tee-rific Schmeichel clash
Two of the safest hands in soccer are looking forward to swapping goalkeeping gloves for golf clubs and do combat in the highly anticipated Reignwood Icons of Football tournament in Bangkok. Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart made known he is relishing the prospect of going head to head with one of the world’s most famous shotstoppers, Ex…
- Business News
Volt-face: Volvo shifts gears with new EV offerings in Thailand
Volvo Car Thailand is gearing up for modest growth in car sales, capped at 5% this year, by revving up its appeal with fresh electric vehicle models and an innovative battery repair service. This bold strategy aims to keep long-term maintenance costs low for drivers and attract more eco-conscious consumers. Chris Wailes, managing director of Volvo Car Thailand and Malaysia,…
- Thailand News
Net gains: Fishing ban to boost marine life in Thailand
In a sweeping move to rejuvenate dwindling fish stocks, the Department of Fishery rolled out a crucial fishing ban spanning the coasts from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Surat Thani. Effective in two phases, from tomorrow, February 15 to May 15, and May 16 to June 14, the initiative targets different maritime zones, aiming to give marine life a much-needed break.…
- Thailand News
Foreign affair: Embassies huddle with RTP over trafficking drama
In a bid to untangle a complex web of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, Bangkok embassies have been summoned to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters for a crucial meeting. The agenda: sorting out who among the over 260 foreigners recently rescued from neighbouring countries are genuine victims and who might be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Under the spotlight are…
- Thailand News
Crêpe caper: Thai vendor attacked in street stick-up
A crêpe seller found himself the victim of a vicious street attack by two helmeted teenagers on a motorbike, leaving him with 17 stitches. The brazen assault on crêpe seller Chamnan Ponyiam unfolded on the night of February 12 in the Ban Suan subdistrict of Mueang district, Chon Buri. Chamnan, a long-standing vendor in the community, was on his way…
- Thailand News
Temple turmoil: Thai teens attack as fair turns into a video nasty
A temple fair in Pathum Thani turned into a scene straight out of a violent video nasty when a group of teenagers launched a brutal attack on a rival, leaving chaos in their wake. The violent altercation, which erupted around 10pm, yesterday, February 13, saw gunfire and knife violence break out before the culprits sped off on motorcycles. Police and…
- Thailand News
Monk-ey business: Selfie scandal forces Thai monk to step down
A senior monk from Khon Kaen province has resigned after a scandalous selfie with a woman surfaced, bringing shame on the religious community. The monk, whose photo authenticity was confirmed, has been compelled to leave the monkhood within a week’s time. The drama unfolded in a meeting at Wat Ban Lan in Ban Phai district, where the monastic committee, including…
- Bangkok News
School shame: Bangkok security guard accused of sexual assault
A 21 year old security guard at a well-known Don Mueang school in Bangkok has been accused of sexually assaulting a 12 year old student in the school’s bathroom. What’s more alarming, the school director allegedly brushed off the incident, reportedly offering a measly 5,000 baht to make it all go away. The harrowing ordeal, which took place on February…
- Bangkok News
Golden rescue: Student saved from call centre scam in Bangkok
Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped in to save 21 year old student from the clutches of a call centre scam in Bangkok. The young woman, Jidapha, was deceived into surrendering her valuable gold and instructed to hide out in a hotel under mysterious threats, leaving her parents anxiously hanging on every second. On Wednesday, February 12, at precisely 11.45pm, Jidapha’s…
- Thailand News
English lessons needed: Thailand flunks language test
In a humbling revelation, Thailand has found itself lagging at 106th place out of 116 countries in global English proficiency, according to a recent survey. The EF English Proficiency Index, unveiled yesterday, February 13, paints a dire picture as Thailand struggles with a “very low proficiency” rating, stumbling behind regional neighbours like Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The…
- Business News
Baht to the future: Thailand exports ready for Trump change
The Export-Import Bank of Thailand is bullish about the country’s export growth this year, buoyed by ripple effects from US President Donald Trump’s trade policies. According to Exim Bank President Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, several global regions, including the EU, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, are ramping up imports in anticipation of Trump’s next moves, especially with uncertainty looming over US imports…
- Business News
Nok Air turbulence: Pilot lawsuit leaves airline flying on fumes
Nok Air has come out swinging against allegations that it forced junior pilots to pay for their training as a prerequisite for employment, denying any involvement amidst a high-flying lawsuit. The airline finds itself in hot water after Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, President of the Thai Pilots Association, revealed that 13 pilots have taken legal action against the carrier. Back in 2018,…
- Thailand News
Gun’s the word: Thailand aims to shoot down violence with new ban
In a bold move to combat rising gun crimes, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have pulled the trigger on a one-year freeze on gun carry permits, starting today, February 14. This decisive order, unveiled by Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul and published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, February 13, comes into force immediately. The suspension…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police kick the habit: Drug raids clean up city streets
Over 500 officers from Pattaya City police, Chon Buri Immigration, and other agencies swooped on the underbelly of Pattaya in a sweeping anti-drug crackdown. Revellers and residents alike were left reeling as the government’s ambitious campaign zeroed in on two notorious hotspots, leaving no stone unturned. The first target, a bustling commercial building on Soi Pattaya Klang 16, saw six…
- Thailand News
Deadly mystery: Three bodies found hidden in abandoned pickup
In a chilling twist worthy of a crime novel, an abandoned pickup truck shrouded in mystery was discovered behind a white cloth with three dead bodies inside, leaving a trail of questions for both locals and Thai police. What began as a simple report of a foul odour has unravelled into a dark tale that has rattled the quiet community…
- Business News
Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth
In a bold move against economic headwinds, Line BK, the social banking brainchild of Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corp, is setting its sights on a double-digit loan growth surge this year, powered by cutting-edge technology. Eyeing a hefty 3-4 billion baht boost in new loans, Line BK is steering towards a 13-18% growth, up from last year’s 22 billion baht…
- Business News
Fuelling the future: PTT Oil shifts gears for a brighter 2025
PTT Oil and Retail Plc (OR) is revving up for a sunnier financial forecast this year, aiming to bounce back after last year’s revenue slip. The secret sauce? A Thailand infused with tourism and investment buzz, according to OR chief Peekthong Thongyai. Thanks to a tourism surge, Thailand’s economic prospects are looking rosier than ever. Back in 2019, the country…
- Business News
Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs
In a bid to slash transport costs for import and export businesses, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to turbocharge freight services between Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri and Bangkok. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala and his team, yesterday, February 12, descended on the deep-sea port and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district,…
- Business News
Comeback call: Thailand’s smartphone market dials up growth
Thailand’s smartphone market powered back to life last year after two years in the doldrums, defying a sluggish economy. Global research giants IDC and Canalys both report an upward swing in sales: from IDC’s impressive 17.1% growth, with 16.9 million units shipped, to Canalys’s solid 7.1% increase, marking 16.4 million units sold. IDC predicts this growth spurt will carry on…
- Thailand News
Making waves: ONWR dives into final stretch of water plans
The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is racing to wrap up its ambitious water management plans across 22 river basins this year, as revealed by its Secretary General, Surasee Kittimonthon. The countdown is on as the agency pushes to safeguard the nation’s vital waterways. Already ahead in the game, the ONWR has finalised strategies for the lower southern…
- Pattaya News
Get ready to go ‘Joe Cool’ as Snoopy soars over Pattaya’s kite fest 2025
Get ready for a sky full of wonder as the Pattaya International Kite on the Beach 2025 prepares to dazzle tourists and residents alike with a Snoopy theme. The kite extravaganza, proudly brought to you by Central Pattaya in partnership with the City of Pattaya, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya Office, the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association, the Marine…