- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s future rings in with 5G Smart City initiative
Pattaya City and National Telecom Plc (NT) have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to develop the 5G Pattaya Smart City project. On Tuesday, Pattaya City Mayor Poramase Ngampichet and NT President Colonel Sapphachai Huwanan formalised this partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Pattaya City Hall. This initiative focuses on integrating advanced technologies such as 5G Internet, artificial…
- Pattaya News
Border bust: Thai police collar 25 illegal immigrants
Kanchanaburi police arrested 25 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the Thai border in Sangkhlaburi. The interception occurred at 2am today, June 28, as immigration officers and related agencies conducted a coordinated operation. Police in Kanchanaburi were alerted to the presence of numerous foreign immigrants hiding in a forested area of Sangkhlaburi. Responding swiftly, officers positioned at Prang Plo Intersection, along…
- Pattaya News
Kratom caper: Thai cops shrimp on illegal juice joint
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on an abandoned shrimp warehouse in Samut Sakhon following reports of a man distributing all-you-can-drink kratom juice to immigrant workers. Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station officers, alongside relevant agencies, responded to complaints from residents about a group of Burmese workers frequently gathering at the warehouse for kratom juice. Signs advertising a drink buffet were…
- Thailand News
Julian Assange plea deal leaks path to freedom
Julian Assange yesterday agreed to plead guilty to an espionage charge in a move aimed at securing his release. The founder of WikiLeaks is currently en route to Australia, having been freed from prison in the United Kingdom after consenting to admit to breaching United States espionage laws. The 52 year old editor, publisher, and activist will admit to conspiring…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Monk gone rogue: Novice vanishes from temple, reappears briefly
A 16 year old novice monk who went missing from a temple in Kanchanaburi, was found in Nonthaburi but has since disappeared again, leaving only his sash and a note behind. Yesterday, June 20, at Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi, Somchit, the abbot of Wiakakee Temple in Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi, and Wichai Saisangsin, the village headman, travelled from…
- 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…
- Cannabis News
Professor warns against reclassifying cannabis as illegal narcotic
Professor Panthep Puapongphan, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, voiced concerns regarding efforts to reclassify cannabis as an illegal narcotic. He believes that such a move could worsen drug-related issues rather than improve them. Prof. Panthep stressed that cannabis has played a significant role in helping individuals quit more harmful substances like methamphetamine and heroin. He…
- 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
Two fishermen rescued after boat capsizes off Jomtien Beach
Two fishermen were rescued after their small fishing boat capsized off Jomtien Beach amid strong waves and winds. One of the fishermen was seriously injured. The incident occurred around 7.06am today. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation received a call about a boat capsizing and two people falling into the water and sustaining injuries. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue…
- 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…
- Crime News
Kanchanaburi police race to rescue British teen’s lost luggage
Kanchanaburi Tourist Police swiftly responded to a report concerning a British teenager who yesterday left his shoulder bag on a taxi’s roof. The 19 year old man, identified as Southgate, had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and forgotten his bag, containing his passport, a 50 baht banknote, and some foreign currency, on the taxi’s roof upon arrival at his guesthouse.…
- 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.…
- Business News
Cathay Pacific delays new routes for full capacity takeoff
Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong’s flag carrier, will refrain from expanding into new routes until it achieves full capacity by early next year. Despite reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic capacity, Chairman Patrick Healy stated that speeding up the timeline “is not the right thing to do.” Healy revealed to the South China Morning Post that the airline has no immediate…
- 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
Thailand, Malaysia make border demarcation progress
Thailand and Malaysia are making strides in demarcating their shared border, as outlined in the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced. The border between Thailand and Malaysia spans 647 kilometres, stretching from Thailand’s Satun province and Malaysia’s Perlis state in the west to Thailand’s Narathiwat province and Malaysia’s Kelantan state in the east. Nathapol Khantahiran, Deputy…
- 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…