Bob Scott
- Thailand News
Elephant in the room: Thailand’s troubling trend of wild attacks
A recent report by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation revealed a troubling trend: Since 2018, wild elephant-related attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 150 people, with over 133 reported injuries. The Humane Society pointed fingers at tourists for provoking these attacks. The report highlights that elephants have been causing chaos on roads, encroaching…
- Expats
British man lost in Thailand, family issues SOS appeal
The family of a British man issued an SOS after he went AWOL while on holiday in Thailand. Scottish man David Goldthorpe has vanished in Thailand after booking a holiday in the Land of Smiles to celebrate his retirement. The 65 year old Edinburgh-born retiree was supposed to fly home Sunday, May 5, but never boarded his flight, leaving his…
- Thailand News
AoT fast-track Suvarnabhumi expansion amid soaring passenger traffic
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is altering the Suvarnabhumi International Airport master plan to hasten the development of terminal expansion projects, in response to the rapidly increasing demand from passenger traffic. The revised master plan, which outlines the course of action for the next decade, aims to accelerate the progression of main terminal expansion and the construction of new ones…
- Business News
Euro EV sales dip but Thai operators charge ahead with optimism
Despite a recent 11% drop in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, Thai business operators remain optimistic about local EV market growth. They believe that the circumstances in Thailand significantly differ from those in Europe, making direct comparisons of the two markets inappropriate. The European EV market downturn, says Bloomberg, is attributed to factors such as high insurance and repair…
- Pattaya News
Illegal fireworks frenzy disrupts Jomtien Beach bliss
The tranquil serenity of Jomtien Beach in Pattaya was disrupted last night by the clamour of illicit fireworks. In response to a spate of complaints from residents about noise pollution, Banglamung officials swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of three vendors illegally selling the pyrotechnics. The three individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed, were apprehended near The Now Hotel.…
- Pattaya News
RTN officers sail in to save the day after baht bus-bike bust-up
Four Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officers from the Special Affairs Unit of the Sattahip Naval Base rushed to aid the victims of a collision between a motorcyclist and a baht bus in Chon Buri. The officers, who were on a routine patrol near a local fresh market, sprang into action to assist a 48 year old Thai man who was…
- Environment News
Summer storm wreaks havoc in Hat Yai, southern Thailand
The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla was hit by a severe summer storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure. Billboards and electricity poles were toppled by the powerful gale. The incident occurred at 3pm, yesterday, May 5, and was covered by local media. Remarkably, despite the storm’s intensity, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The destructive storm…
- Crime News
Chinese businessmen extorted for 2.5 million baht in Bangkok
Bangkok was the scene of a daring extortion case involving five Chinese businessmen and a group of Thais, including law enforcement officers, yesterday, May 5. A press conference, held by Din Daeng police and other relevant agencies, revealed the shocking incident where the businessmen were forcibly detained and extorted for 2.5 million baht. The incident began unfolding on April 25…
- Thailand News
Thai government boosts welfare benefits for workers
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke indicated that the Thai government is committed to improving welfare benefits to enhance the quality of life for all workers in the country. This commitment follows a recent roll-out of new regulations aimed at supporting the needs of the informal workforce, a significant demographic in Thailand. “The government is determined to push for regulations that will…
- Phuket News
Myanmar man ignores swimming warning, drowns at Phuket beach
Tragedy unfolded as a 20 year old Myanmar man drowned at Kalim Beach in Phuket. Despite the presence of a red no swimming flag, Nay Myo Zaw and his friends decided to swim in the area. The incident transpired around 12.23pm yesterday, May 5, with local authorities promptly informed. Nay Myo Zaw arrived at the beach with three of his…
- Thailand News
Thai farmers feeling the heat: Climate change threatens crop yields
Farmers in Thailand are facing a significant threat from climate change, with an alarming drop in crop yields predicted over the next seven decades. This growing crisis has prompted calls for the government to implement strategies to safeguard food security. Witsanu Attavanich, a lecturer in economics at Kasetsart University, is at the forefront of research into the impact of climate…
- Thailand News
British man’s stolen card wins 185 million baht lottery
In a twist of fate, a British man’s stolen credit card was used to buy a lottery ticket in England that won a £4 million (185 million baht) prize, leading to a bizarre situation where the rightful owner wondered if he was entitled to any winnings, only to be met with disappointment. Joshua Addyman’s credit card details were swiped in…
- Thailand News
Temple’s terminal wisdom: Guiding lives and lighting paths
An admirable initiative has been launched in Nakhon Ratchasima, where a temple is offering guidance to individuals with terminal illnesses, helping them lead fulfilling lives and share their wisdom with others before their time comes. Situated in the Chok Chai district, the temple equips these individuals with the tools they need to accept their mortality and live out their remaining…
- Thailand News
Diving drama: French foursome rescued from island ordeal
Four French divers, who found themselves stranded overnight on an island off Sattahip in Chon Buri, were successfully rescued yesterday. Their vessel had unexpectedly become detached from its mooring and drifted away while they were diving near Koh Manwichai. The divers, identified as 38 year old Andrien, 47 year old Medhi, 30 year old Vincent, aged 30, and 32 year…
- Thailand News
NHSO forms team to probe Bangkok healthcare malpractice
Bangkok’s primary healthcare clinics have been hit with a staggering 3,771 complaints, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to form an investigative team to probe alleged malpractices. The NHSO issued a statement yesterday, April 30, addressing its commitment to resolve grievances from patients under the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme. These objections arose following the NHSO’s decision to modify…
- Thailand News
Thai workers shine in Taiwan’s Labour Day awards
Two Thai workers from Lampang did Thailand proud after being honoured with employee awards in Taiwan’s annual Labour Day ceremony, earning a personal meeting with the country’s president. The Taiwanese Ministry of Labour, responsible for the event, recognises both local and foreign workers for their contributions to various sectors. This year, the Thai men won accolades in the manufacturing industry.…
- Business News
Thailand ranked in top three for financial fraud scams, says Google
Google’s 2023 Bad Apps Report ranked Thailand among the top three countries in the Asia-Pacific region with a significant spike in financial fraud scams last year. Aman Dayal, Asia-Pacific head of trust & safety operations for Google Play, stated during an online media briefing that Singapore, Thailand, and India were particularly affected. With over 90% of smartphone penetration rates, the…
- Pattaya News
Jomtien Beach sees tourist dip amid Thailand’s soaring heat
Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach is experiencing a noticeable dip in the influx of tourists as the summer heat in Thailand reaches its peak. The beach, a popular locale for sun-worshippers, swimmers, and city dwellers seeking a reprieve from the oppressive city heat, is seeing a marked reduction in footfall. Local reporters observed the crowd was distinctly thinner than it was in…
- Thailand News
Drought dries up Buriram: 300 Thai households forced to buy water
The protracted drought in Thailand has precipitated a water crisis in Mueang district, Buriram, compelling approximately 300 households across three villages to resort to purchasing water. The scarcity of water is attributed to the drying up of the area’s groundwater, which these villages heavily depend on, given that they are not linked to the local water pipelines. The impacted villages…
- Thailand News
Stormy skies ahead: TMD forecast predicts May rainy season start
Thailand’s rainy season is anticipated to start the last week of May this year, according to the latest forecast by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). The announcement came with a cautious note that initial rains will be scarce, improving as the season progresses into June and July. Despite the slow start, the TMD remains hopeful that the overall rainfall…
- Thailand News
Screen siren: Ex-adult film star ties the knot with film director
The entertainment industry buzzed with excitement as a former adult film star who has since transitioned to mainstream acting announced her surprise marriage to a film director. Miku Ikuta stands at a petite 144 centimetres with a D cup size, and first debuted in the adult video (AV) industry in 2017. The 26 year old became a significant figure over…
- Business News
Heatwave havoc: DIT keeps close thermometer on Thai farming
The sweltering weather conditions currently sweeping across Thailand have prompted the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) to closely monitor their impact on the country’s agricultural and livestock production. Despite the challenging weather and drought, DIT Director-General, Wattanasak Sur-iam, assured that the price of agricultural goods remains stable. To alleviate the cost of living for consumers and restaurant owners, the DIT…
- Thailand News
Rat catchers nabbed in Khon Kaen with 300,000 speed pills
A couple of drug peddlers, masquerading as farm rat catchers, were apprehended in Khon Kaen with a cache of over 300,000 speed pills. The couple, identified as 41 year old Jinda Thaochalee and his 36 year old wife Rungthip Sakunphon, were nabbed in Ban Fang district and tried to bribe the police with 500,000 baht for their release. Local police…
- Thailand News
Nine year old Thai dancing sensation steals the show
A nine year old boy, affectionately known as “Nong Che,” became an overnight sensation in Thailand thanks to his impeccable dance moves, which he showcased alongside Longan Hai Thongkham, a well-known local singer, and her troupe of dancers. The event took place yesterday at Pholview Restaurant, Ratchaburi Province, and the viral clip has since captured the hearts and attention of…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways turbulence: Passenger’s business-class fiasco
Thai Airways faced public criticism when a passenger expressed frustration on social media after experiencing subpar service on a business-class flight. Despite purchasing expensive tickets for himself and his clients to Beijing, he encountered malfunctioning seats that would neither recline nor convert into beds. The airline’s attempt to compensate with a modest sum of 5,500 baht was refused by Treerat Sirichantaropas,…
- Thailand News
Residents left high and dry as water levels drop in Thai reservoir
A severe drop in water levels at the Lam Takhong Reservoir and Lam Mun River in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, is causing concern for residents. The primary water sources in the region are suffering due to drought and extreme heat, leading to fears of water shortages. Lam Takhong, one of the four main reservoirs in Nakhon Ratchasima, currently holds only 111.25…
- Phuket News
German tourist fined 1,000 baht for parking SUV on Phuket Beach
A German tourist found himself in hot water after his Bangkok-registered Ford Everest SUV was caught sand-handed on Ley Phang Beach, Phuket. The vehicle, owned by a man known only as Simoen, was seized by authorities following reports circulated on social media and he was fined 1,000 baht. When Cherng Talay Police arrived at the scene, they found the SUV…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s record-breaking electricity usage heats up weekend
A record-breaking increase in electricity usage was registered in Thailand over the weekend as the nation grappled with soaring temperatures. The Ministry of Energy confirmed late Saturday that power demand peaked at 36,356 megawatts, surpassing the previous record set on Monday, April 22. Extreme heat has been particularly severe in the country’s northern and northeastern regions. The Meteorological Department of…
- Thailand News
Second phase of macaque relocation kicks off at historic park
The second phase of relocating macaques from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park to the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Centre was initiated yesterday by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Phetchaburi. The initiative, which involves the placement of cages at 12 locations within the park, commonly known as Khao Wang, aims to capture 205 macaques. In…
- Thailand News
Myanmar real estate sales surge by 240%
The chief executive of a leading property firm today revealed an intriguing glimpse into the flourishing 2024 foreign real estate sector. The disclosure highlighted a remarkable 240% surge in sales within the Myanmar market compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite the surge in the Myanmar market, the Chinese market continues to dominate, accounting for 50% of…
