Bob Scott
- Crime News
British pedophile’s 30-year Thai escape leads to 30 new charges
A British pedophile arrested at a London airport after hiding in Thailand for almost 30 years is facing an additional 30 historic sex-related charges. Richard Burrows, one of the UK’s “most wanted” fugitives, saw his 50-year reign of terror come to an end when he was apprehended on Thursday, March 28, at Heathrow Airport after hiding in Thailand and evading…
- Thailand News
Revered monk’s lost diamond ring returned for 50,000 baht
A diamond-studded gold ring, blessed by the revered monk Luang Por Perm and lost during a ceremony, has been returned to its owner, earning the finder a 50,000 baht reward. The story began when a Facebook user, Pong Lotus Ayutthaya, reported losing the precious ring at a merit-making ceremony at Wat Hua Khung in Suphan Buri on June 16. The…
- Thailand News
Ex-general’s house goes up in flames under MFP MP’s watch
A fire erupted last night at a historic half-concrete, half-wooden house in Bangkok, once owned by General Chatichai Choonhavan and now home to Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Tisana Choonhavan. The inferno ignited around 9.30pm, June 23, and was swiftly extinguished within half an hour, but not before causing extensive damage to roughly half of the property. Miraculously, there were…
- Thailand News
Bull-dozed: Wild chase ends in tragic crash near Khao Yai
A wild bull fatally crashed into a cement pillar while chasing a resident near Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident occurred at 9.40am yesterday, June 23, when park officials received the alarming report. Surasawadee Rueangjab, the headwoman of Pong Ta Long Subdistrict, stated that a resident was gathering vegetables near the park’s boundary when a…
- Business News
Autostore drives into Thailand for robotic expansion
AutoStore, a leading automated fulfilment system company based in Norway, has chosen Thailand for its second overseas robot manufacturing base to strategically position itself closer to key markets. Mats Hovland Vikse, chief executive at AutoStore, revealed the thinking behind the move. “Since 2012, our robots have been manufactured and shipped exclusively from Poland. With increased demand in our automated fulfilment…
- Thailand News
Wat’s the charge? Temple’s electricity bill leaves abbot in asterisk-ing confusion
The abbot of Wat Pa Amphawan Khunanusorn in Buriram was left puzzled after receiving the temple’s electricity bill, which lacked both the FT charge and the total amount due, instead showing only asterisks. This led to confusion about how to pay the bill or if the temple might be getting free electricity this month. He urged officials to thoroughly check…
- Pattaya News
RTN floods Koh Larn with 170 tons of water amid drought
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessel HTMS Ravi delivered more than 170 tonnes (approximately 154,000 litres) of fresh water to residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya, addressing an ongoing drought. This significant delivery occurred yesterday, prompted by Koh Larn’s struggle with water shortages exacerbated by dry weather and a surge in tourist numbers. In response to complaints from residents and…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tourists tread tightrope as bike rentals hog Beach Road
Complaints have arisen in Pattaya over motorcycle rental businesses allegedly monopolising public parking spaces along Beach Road, causing significant inconvenience for tourists. Residents yesterday voiced their concerns to the media, highlighting how these businesses park dozens of motorcycles on the roadside, making it challenging for tourists to find parking. Some motorcycles are even illegally parked, obstructing traffic and making it…
- Thailand News
Ancient skeletons found in Nakhon Ratchasima to resume excavation
Further archaeological excavation is set to continue at a site in downtown Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, where three ancient human skeletons were discovered last month. The Culture Ministry confirmed that the Fine Arts Department (FAD) will oversee the allocation of funds for the excavation, which is currently paused due to the rainy season. Workers unearthed the skeletons while landscaping near…
- Crime News
Man arrested for running illegal kratom beverage plant in Min Buri
Police in Min Buri apprehended a man behind a kratom beverage production facility, investing heavily in water filtration equipment. The operation involved high-quality production methods to ensure superior product standards. Police Major General Kiattikul Sonthinen, along with his team, yesterday, June 12, led an investigation into the facility located on Rat Uthit Road, Saen Saep Subdistrict, Min Buri District, Bangkok.…
- Thailand News
Police arrest major drug dealer in Chon Buri condo raid
Undercover police officers last night arrested a 28 year old man in Chon Buri province on drug charges. The arrest occurred at a luxury condominium in the Sri Racha district, with the suspect being identified as Apinop Srihiran, an alleged major drug dealer also known as “Ohm.” Officers from Banglamung Police Station apprehended Apinop while entering his condo unit. Apinop…
- Thailand News
Father’s shadow: Bride’s emotional whirlwind at wedding doppelgänger
A bride became emotionally overwhelmed when she encountered a man at her wedding who bore a striking resemblance to her father, who died three years ago. The man’s appearance, mannerisms, and even his name closely resembled those of her late father, prompting a wave of nostalgia and tears. A TikTok user with the handle chadaporn002 posted a video featuring a man…
- Pattaya News
Deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya inspires with dedication and skill
A deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya has captured the admiration of netizens for his perseverance and dedication. Known as Kai, his story surfaced online after a local journalist saw him cleaning a tourist’s shoes on Pattaya Beach. Kai earns his living by offering shoe cleaning services to tourists. Despite being deaf and mute, he communicates with customers using a sign that…
- Business News
Bonding issues: Political turmoil shakes Thai investor confidence
Thailand’s escalating political risks are making foreign investors hesitant about the nation’s bond market, despite a cautious return in May after a six-month break. In May, global funds bought US$511 million worth of Thai bonds, a notable difference compared to larger acquisitions in Indonesia, India, and South Korea. Comparative indicators of foreign investment show Thailand lagging behind its regional counterparts.…
- Business News
Peso power play: CIMB targets record 75 billion in loans for 2024
CIMB Bank Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, announced an ambitious lending target of over 75 billion pesos (US$1.28 billion) to Filipino customers this year. This represents a 23% increase compared to 2023, according to the bank’s chief executive officer. Chief Executive Officer Vijay Manoharan disclosed the bank’s plans during a press conference, stating that CIMB Bank…
- Thailand News
Rocking history: Ancient artefact unearths Srivijaya secrets
Archaeologists revealed that an ancient sandstone artefact discovered in some temple grounds dates back to the era of the Srivijaya Kingdom. A history tour group stumbled upon the sandstone while visiting Wat Palilaik in tambon Lamet. The group quickly informed Chaiya District Chief Chaowalit Rodjanarat about their find, suspecting the artefact to be over 1,000 years old due to its…
- Thailand News
British man revived in Thailand, giving back in Africa
A British man, revived after dying in an ambulance in Thailand last year, wants to repay the fundraisers who saved his life by helping those less fortunate in Africa. Liam Kilby was clinically dead for eight minutes following a motorcycle accident in Phuket on May 1 last year, which caused more life-threatening injuries. The 26 year old from Moreton collided…
- Thailand News
King cobra nest discovered in Hat Yai rubber plantation
A team of southern herpetologists and rescue workers recently discovered a king cobra’s nest in a rubber plantation in Hat Yai. They plan to incubate the eggs before releasing the hatchlings into the wild. Upon receiving a report from a 49 year old local called Charan Jankaew, residing at house number 59, Ban Nai Si, Moo 4, Thung Tamsao Subdistrict,…
- Business News
Thai govt unveils tax measures to spark tourism surge
The Thai Cabinet today approved a series of tax measures aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the low season, announced the deputy finance minister. These measures will be in effect from May to November and include tax deductions for companies organising conventions and seminars, according to Paopoom Rojanasakul. Further initiatives target increased domestic travel to secondary cities by allowing income…
- Thailand News
Woman hides 47.9m baht lottery win from ex-husband
A woman from California, in the United States, hit the jackpot by winning a US$1.3 million lottery (47.9 million baht). Eleven days later, she decided to file for divorce from her husband of 25 years. This incident dates back to 1996. Californian Denise Rossi kept her lottery win a secret and abruptly ended her marriage, leaving Thomas shocked and confused.…
- Thailand News
Indonesia seeks Thai help to capture fugitive drug lord
Indonesian police have requested Thailand’s assistance in locating and arresting a wanted drug lord believed to be hiding in the kingdom. This request follows the recent arrest of fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang by Indonesian authorities. The chief of Indonesia’s narcotics division, Police Brigader General Mukhi Juharsa, announced on Sunday that the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) are seeking the capture of Fredy…
- Tourism News
British mum’s dengue fever warning after son’s Thai holiday tragedy
A crestfallen British mother urged travellers ahead of the holiday season to be wary of dengue fever after losing her son to the disease while he was on holiday in Thailand. The heartbroken mother, Jayne Toulson-Burke, recalled the last devastating phone call from her son, Bob, just before he died from the disease several years ago. The 59 year old…
- Tourism News
UK warns British tourists to behave in Thailand or face jail time
The United Kingdom Foreign Office issued a travel warning to British tourists heading to Thailand ahead of the summer holidays: “Behave, or end up in jail!” The Foreign Office advised British holidaymakers flying to the Land of Smiles to be cautious of the new visa rules. “From 1 June 2024, British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter…
- Thailand News
Bangkok woman contracts rare lung infection from feeding pigeons
A Bangkok woman who regularly fed pigeons unknowingly inhaled fungal spores, leading to a lung infection and requiring surgery to remove a mass. Despite having no symptoms, she was diagnosed with cryptococcal pneumonia, which had formed a cavity in her lung. Manoon Leechawengwong, a respiratory disease specialist, shared the case on Facebook, detailing the woman’s condition. At 52 years old,…
- Thailand News
Dilapidated building in Bangkok listed for 18 million baht
A four-storey dilapidated building in Bangkok has been listed for sale at 18 million baht, causing quite a stir online. Netizens are engaged in lively debates about whether this “fixer-upper” is worth the “price tag shock.” Aood Narongrit, a Facebook user, shared images and details in the group Second-Hand Houses at Good Prices in Bangkok and Surrounding Areas. The post…
- Tourism News
Prehistoric tourism boost for Thailand as Jurassic World 4 rolls
Thailand will host the filming of Jurassic World 4, the latest instalment in the iconic Jurassic Park series providing an enormous boost to the nation’s tourism industry. The Department of Tourism’s Director General, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, announced that the production will span from today until mid-July, covering several locations such as Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. This…
- Pattaya News
Pool tragedy sinks holiday: 74 year old Austrian drowns in Pattaya
A 74 year old Austrian man tragically drowned at a condominium pool in Pattaya. The incident took place at an unidentified complex in the Naklua area of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The Thai authorities received a report about the drowning around 9.30pm yesterday, May 27, prompting Banglamung police and rescue workers to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, officials…
- Business News
Thailand Cabinet boosts 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht
The Thai Cabinet approved a plan to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its delayed household stimulus scheme, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul today announced. This adjustment will raise the new budget to 3.6 trillion baht, representing a 13% increase from the previous year, with the deficit swelling to 805 billion baht. The government’s decision…