- Thailand News
Gun-toting dad holds daughter hostage in Bangkok standoff
A dramatic hostage situation unfolded yesterday in Lat Krabang Soi 16, Bangkok, as a father armed with a gun held his ten year old daughter captive inside their home. Police swiftly cordoned off the area, barring any unrelated individuals from entering the tense scene. The alarming incident came to light when the child’s mother alerted the police, reporting that her…
- Northern Thailand News
Knife-wielding man causes chaos in Udon Thani over inheritance
A knife-wielding man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, caused chaos as he attacked his relatives, claiming his mother was unfairly dividing the family inheritance. The incident took place in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Police today, August 19, were called to the scene after reports of a man acting violently at a house on Phon Phisai Road, Mak Khaeng…
- Thailand News
Passenger found dead on Bangkok to Hat Yai bus route
A grim discovery was made on a Bangkok-Hat Yai bus route when a passenger found the person seated next to them had died during the journey. The horrifying incident prompted immediate action, leading to police and medical intervention. Sarayuth Thaneerat, Deputy Inspector of Chian Yai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, at 6.30am yesterday, August 18, received a report of…
- Pattaya News
Irishman’s fatal fall leaves Pattaya hotel guests stunned
Tragedy struck a swanky 5-star hotel in Pattaya in the early hours of this morning when an Irishman plunged to his death from the 31st floor. The Irishman, Michael Browne, shocked hotel staff and patrons as he fell to his death from the 31st floor today, August 19. The shocking incident, which has left the Pattaya police baffled, raises questions…
- Business News
Cryptos surge as BNB leads with 89.6% gain in 2024
Cryptocurrencies are experiencing a resurgence despite global economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties, emerging as top-performing assets in the first seven months of 2024. Nvidia, one of the Magnificent 7 tech stocks on the US stock exchange, also ranks highly. Binance Coin (BNB) led the cryptocurrency returns this year with an impressive 89.6% gain as of July 22. Bitcoin followed with…
- Thailand News
Labour minister intervenes in unpaid wages of 700 migrant workers
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan directed ministry officials to address a situation involving a Chinese company in Prachin Buri that has not paid the wages of over 700 foreign workers for the past two months. Some 700 migrant workers from Myanmar yesterday, August 18, demonstrated at the Rojana Industrial Estate due to the non-payment of their daily wages. Phiphat has tasked…
- Thailand News
Walk on wild side: Bang Kapi skywalk to open by end of September
Bangkok Deputy Governor Wissanu Sapsompol announced that the capital’s Bang Kapi area is set to see the full opening of its skywalk by the end of next month. The skywalk project has faced delays, with only a 1-kilometre section from The Mall shopping centre to Wat Si Boonruang near the MRT Yellow Line currently accessible. The remaining section, which will…
- Thailand News
DoH advises toll cuts over extension to ease Bangkok costs
The Department of Highways (DoH) urged the Government of Thailand to focus on reducing toll fees rather than extending the concession for the Don Mueang Tollway, as a strategy to lower living costs in Bangkok. Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently proposed extending the current concession for Don Mueang Tollway Plc, which is set to expire in 2034. Suriya argued…
- Thailand News
Former PM Thaksin faces court over 2015 lese majeste allegations
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, made a dramatic return to the Criminal Court today, facing charges in a high-stakes lese majeste case linked to a controversial 2015 interview in Seoul. Arriving at 8.53am, today, August 19, in a yellow shirt and black jacket, the 75 year old Thaksin appeared unfazed as he briefly addressed the press. “I’m…
- Phuket News
Helmet on TikTok: Kamala cops go viral to keep heads safe in Phuket
Kamala police have launched an innovative campaign on TikTok to promote helmet use among road users in Phuket. The initiative has quickly gained widespread attention and praise for its creative approach to enhancing road safety. Kamala Police Chief Somsak Thongkliang stated that the campaign was developed following a directive from higher government officials to improve road safety measures. Recognising the…
- Thailand News
Motorcyclist dies after crash on new coastal bridge in Chon Buri
A motorcyclist tragically lost his life yesterday after his big bike skidded off a sharp curve on a new coastal bridge in Chon Buri, crashing into a lamppost. The incident occurred at 5.30pm yesterday, August 18. Police Lieutenant Thitirattapoom Jaipinta, Deputy Inspector of Samed Police Station in Chon Buri, received a report about the accident near the descent of the…
- Thailand News
Berry big deal: over 1,000 Thai pickers to jam in Sweden, Finland
Thai workers are set for Sweden and Finland as the new berry-picking season kicks off. In a major move, the Department of Employment has given the green light to a whopping 1,129 Thai workers to pack their bags and head to the Nordic lands. Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan broke the news, revealing that the first wave of over 1,000 Thai…
- Economy News
Thailand’s economy grows 2.3% in Q2, surpassing forecasts
Thailand’s economy roared back to life in the second quarter, fuelled by a surge in consumption, tourism, and exports, according to today’s eye-popping official data. This economic boost has prompted the government to up its growth forecast for the year. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revealed that Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded by 2.3% from the same…
- Aviation News
Thai Vietjet takes off: Targets nearly 8 million passengers this year
Low-cost airline Thai Vietjet aims to attract nearly eight million passengers this year by enhancing aircraft utilisation and increasing flights on existing routes, with plans to introduce new Boeing 737 Max jets next year. Thai Vietjet Chief Executive Woranate Laprabang highlighted that the visa-free scheme has significantly boosted demand on international routes, particularly to China. The airline operates flights to over…
- Business News
Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy
Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week. Since July, the baht has been a star performer, climbing up the ranks as tourism bounced back from a near two-year low against the US dollar in May. But this impressive upswing could be at risk…
- Transport News
Pattaya targets traffic congestion with new management strategies
Efforts to address Pattaya’s persistent traffic congestion took a significant step forward as Bang Lamung district chief Wikit Manarojkit led a pivotal meeting with key stakeholders at Pattaya City Hall just before the weekend. The gathering included Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngamphiches, Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, Police Colonel Tawi Kutthaeng, Superintendent of Nong Prue…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya Tourist Police catch Cambodian duo in water safety sting
Pattaya Tourist Police arrested two Cambodian men as they conducted a water safety plan in the popular holiday seaside resort. Pattaya Tourist Police, in collaboration with the Water Transport Inspection Unit, Regional Harbor Office 6 (Pattaya Branch), and the Chon Buri Marine Disaster Prevention Division, intensified their efforts to enhance water safety over the past weekend. The joint inspection aimed…
- Politics News
Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups
Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt. Addressing the media for the first time after her royal endorsement yesterday, the 37 year old Thai premier made a bold promise to dodge the fate of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra. The Bangkok-born Thai politician made known she is keen to avoid her…
- Politics News
People’s Party to turn the electoral tide
New People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut demanded his party perform much better in the next General Election. The 37 year old was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as the new head of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This surprise appointment comes hot on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s bombshell decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and…
- Thailand News
30-baht scheme in hot water: is Thailand’s gold card running out of cash?
Thailand’s universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme, faces scrutiny over its financial sustainability and adequacy in providing security to all citizens. Health experts call for a reform to ensure the scheme’s long-term viability. This populist policy, launched by the Pheu Thai Party more than two decades ago, strives to offer equitable medical treatment for Thai citizens,…
- Thailand News
Mae On reservoirs quake the worry but hold strong
Reservoirs in the Mae On district have been declared structurally sound after being struck by a 3.4-magnitude earthquake yesterday morning. The Royal Irrigation Operation (RIO) conducted a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage. Keaurkul Manasamphankul, RIO director, confirmed that the Maintenance Department was tasked with evaluating the structural integrity of the Mae On and Mae Takhrai reservoirs. These reservoirs…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s health crackdown: Screening mpox-treme measures
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is on high alert, ramping up passenger screening like never before to fend off a potential mpox outbreak. This drastic measure comes hot on the heels of the World Health Organisation (WHO) slapping a “public health emergency of international concern” label on the situation, following a surge of mpox cases in several African nations. Dr…
- Thailand News
Buriram residents fear digital wallet could be axed after PM ousted
Buriram residents and local vendors are increasingly anxious following the Thai Constitutional Court’s surprise decision to oust Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The major concern is the potential scrapping of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, a key economic boost initiative from the Pheu Thai Party. The Buriram municipal market is buzzing with worry as many dread that the much-anticipated digital wallet…
- Politics News
FTI rattled by PM Srettha’s ousting: Investors on edge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) voiced alarm following the Thai Constitutional Court‘s shock decision to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office yesterday. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the FTI, warned that the ruling could put a brake on both local and foreign investment as investors rethink their strategies amid the political turmoil. Thailand is already wrestling with major economic hurdles,…
- Phuket News
2,000 debtors flock to Phuket fair for a chance to clear the air
Over 2,000 debt-ridden individuals yesterday turned out for the 55th Debt Relief Fair at The Pago Hotel in Ratsada, north of Phuket Town. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Rights and Liberties Protection and the Legal Execution Department, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Justice Office and other organisations, aimed to offer guidance on managing various…
- Crime News
Thai man granted bail after shooting father during confrontation
A Thai man was granted bail after shooting his father during a confrontation. The incident occurred when the son turned himself into the police. The police plan to question the father about the event. Police granted bail to 32 year old Pavinyoh after he turned himself in following a shooting incident involving his father, 53 year old Chalao. The altercation…
- Crime News
Father accused of stealing palm fruit by own son amid land dispute
A father, deeply hurt, finds himself accused by his son of stealing palm fruit that he had planted and nurtured himself. This dramatic family dispute has unfolded over land that has been in the father’s possession for nearly 40 years. Somjet, a 73 year old man, and Adul, a 46 year old man, were accused by Somjet’s third son of…
- Thailand News
Two judges disciplined for conduct violations by Supreme Court
Two judges were disciplined for failing to adhere to judicial regulations and behaving in a manner that tarnished the dignity of their office. The Supreme Court meeting held yesterday, August 13, chaired by Anucha Chiwitsophon, addressed these issues. The Judicial Commission of the Supreme Court (JC) approved the transfer and appointment of senior judges, including eight positions at level four…
- Bangkok News
Bangok condo owner’s 120,000 baht bill for trashed rental (video)
A Bangkok condo owner shared his experience after discovering a rented room in a deplorable state, leading to renovation costs exceeding 100,000 baht. The tenant, a PR woman, left the room in such a condition that it appeared someone had died, with black water leaking and a foul smell permeating the space. Around 2pm yesterday, August 13, the 43 year…
- Politics News
Thailand PM Srettha axed over shady Cabinet appointment
In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered a bombshell ruling today, August 14, declaring that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had breached ethics rules by appointing a convicted lawyer to his Cabinet. The shocking verdict, delivered amid heightened tensions, has put the Bangkok-born PM’s political future in jeopardy, with the nation holding its breath to see if he…
